Before the Finals insanity starts, let’s express gratitude one last time that the Thunder got eliminated.

Before fans are at each other’s throats about the games, we should express gratitude one last that the Thunder did not make it.

The discourse of the finals is going to be about the actual players and gameplay instead of just the fouls. We don’t have to hear about a budding Thunder dynasty. We don’t have the risk of hearing Shai in top 10 discussions after a repeat. Just chill hoops that’s a win-win. Either Wemby begins his journey towards greatness. Or the Knicks finally deliver for New York. Great storyline either way, which would not be the case if the Thunder made it.