Tonight, the OKC Thunder beat Denver to finish the first round of NBA Playoffs. There was this moment at the end of the fourth quarter. With about 15 seconds to go, a time out was called. I thought about that moment in Fellowship of the Ring where Sam stops in the middle of a cornfield.
Sam: This is it.
Frodo: This is what?
Sam: If I take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.
Frodo: Come on, Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say: “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

I could feel those words echo in my heart as the crowd roared. I knew that one way or the other, our young Thunder team was going to grow up in the next few seconds. Kevin Durant made the shots. Our defense held. Thunder won! They are now a team that won the first round in this highly charged NBA Playoff system.

As an amazing finish, the first thing Kevin Durant did at the end of the game was to hug his mother! All of Oklahoma fell in love just a little bit more. Kevin, you are our hero, our champion and we’ve got your back. Thanks for taking us along on your amazing journey!