Oklahoma City Thunder’s Public Prayer is a Practice to Emulate

by Paul Batura | June 23, 2025 | Culture

Sunday night’s game seven victory by the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Indiana Pacers marks the team’s first NBA Championship since relocating from Seattle back in 2008.

Devoted hoop fans will remember the Seattle Supersonics won their only championship in 1979. 

A lot has changed between then and now, of course, including the Thunder’s tradition of praying publicly before each game.

The practice actually began back in 2005 after the New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans) began playing their games in Oklahoma City in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Emotions were raw and tender and needs were great, so the team did what a lot of people do when they find themselves in a tough situation – pray!

The prayers were so well received that the newly arriving Thunder decided to continue the practice.

Dan Mahoney, who serves as the team’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, has been straightforward and unapologetic when asked about the tradition of praying at center court.

“It’s an invocation,” he said. “It’s non-denominational. For our fans it’s an opportunity to pray if they want to, to have a moment of silent reflection if they want to or it’s really for them to use that time however they want to.”

He’s added:

We feel it’s a reflection of our community. Our fans have been very receptive to it. We allow that time, and it’s just something that we’ve done since day one and our fans are very fond of it. We appreciate that opportunity.

That 30-second opportunity to reflect means that over the years, the Thunder have invited Catholics, Protestants and rabbis to pray.


Said local pastor Stefan Reed:

It not only honors God and acknowledges His authority, but also gives the rest of the league a glimpse into who we are and what we represent. I think it speaks volumes to everyone in the arena, including the other team, that our love for people is bigger than the game itself. I hope each prayer reflects our genuine care for people in a real and meaningful way.

A lot of energy and angst from radicals has been expressed over the practice of public prayer. Many individuals and groups have suggested it’s offensive, inconsiderate and unnecessarily aggressive and combative.

Respectfully done and Holy Spirit led, it’s none of those things. 

Good for the Oklahoma City Thunder for ignoring the cranks and agitators who object.

“Intercession is the truly universal work for the Christian,” reflected the late Reverend Richard Halverson, who once served as chaplain of the United States Senate. “No place is closed to intercessory prayer: no continent, no nation, no city, no organization, no office. No power on earth can keep intercession out.”

In addressing the nation this past Saturday night following the United States’ bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites, President Trump ended his remarks with something of a prayer:

I want to just say, we love you God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East, God bless Israel, and God bless America.

Whether praying before, during and after a military battle or before an NBA basketball game, the humble posture of prayer is a very good thing.

Urged the apostle Paul, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6, ESV).

Please join us in praying for the safety and security of all American personnel in harm’s way.