The date was August 8, 2021. The Oklahoma City Thunder amped up to play the Cade Cunningham-led Detroit Pistons. For most, this game was nothing more than two teams duking it out in Summer League-play, having Cunningham’s debut an added incentive, of course. But for those few monitoring the Thunder’s television situation, this game had been monumental.
The Thunder’s 76-72 victory called for the end to a 340-day dry spell in which Oklahoma City failed to reach a national television audience. Their victory had been broadcasted on ESPN2.
Though the Thunder’s near year-long streak of dodging the big screens technically made a halt in Las Vegas, their in-season streak continued — and as reported on Friday, the streak will extend throughout the 2021-22 season.
The Thunder’s tumultuous streak of dodging major networks adds to last season’s misfortunes, in which the team also received zero nationally televised contests.
As for games being showcased out of Bally Sports’ microcosm, the Thunder are slated to play four (4) contests to air on NBATV — those games coming against the San Antonio Spurs (Nov. 7), the Detroit Pistons (Dec. 6), the Cleveland Cavaliers (Jan. 22), and the Orlando Magic (Mar. 20).
Just like year’s prior, all 82 regular-season games will be aired and broadcasted by Bally Sports Oklahoma, in addition to mobile streaming provided on the Bally Sports App.
The Oklahoma City Thunder is set to open their 2021-22 season against the Utah Jazz on October 20.