Inside The Thunder
Nathan Aker

Nathan Aker

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Nathan is a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Public Relations set to graduate in May 2024. He holds experience covering multiple sports, primarily basketball, at the high school and collegiate level. 

Nov 11, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8) fight for a rebound during the fourth quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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How the Thunder's Defensive Versatility Will Keep Them Afloat in Holmgren's Absence

Oklahoma City has a particularly unique challenge with all three of its centers sidelined to injury. Though, the team's well-roundedness will help immensely.

Nathan Aker
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Nov 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8) talk during a time out against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Three Takeaways from Oklahoma City's Sunday Night Loss to the Golden State Warriors

The Thunder took its second loss on the season on Sunday evening, dropping its record to 8-2 and relinquishing its top spot in the West.

Nathan Aker
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Nov 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) defends on Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Chet Holmgren's Sophomore Leap Illuminating his Competitive Edge

The Thunder's Chet Holmgren has visibly improved from the end of his rookie campaign to the beginning of his sophomore season, and it's easy to see how he's made that happen.

Nathan Aker
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Dec 6, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) inbounds the pass to center Alperen Sengun (28) against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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Matchup Breakdown: OKC Thunder versus Houston Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets have seemed to have a distaste for one another for a significant amount of time now. From Houston's acquisition o

Nathan Aker
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Nov 4, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) shoots between Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) and guard Jett Howard (13) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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How Aaron Wiggins has Earned Spot-Start Opportunities

A season ago, Wiggins more than likely wasn't getting the nod to start in certain situations. That's changed in his fourth year in the NBA.

Nathan Aker
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Nov 2, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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How OKC's Overall Performance Hasn't Dipped Despite Early-Season Offensive Drop-Off

Oklahoma City's offensive prowess has not yet been up to par as it was last year and what it's been expected to be this season, but that hasn't changed how dangerous of a team they are in the Western Conference.

Nathan Aker
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Nov 2, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) looks to pass against LA Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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Three Takeaway from the Thunder's Sixth Win this Season Versus the LA Clippers

Oklahoma City again took care of business on Saturday night, claiming its sixth consecutive win on the season as one of two undefeated teams left across the league.

Nathan Aker
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Dec 26, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Luguentz Dort (5) after Luguentz Dort made a three point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort Hand out Apparel to OKC High School Student-Athletes

In partnership with Oklahoma Cleats for Kids, two OKC Thunder stars sized high school student-athletes for shoes and clothes on Wednesday.

Nathan Aker
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Oct 29, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Lindy Waters III (43) holds onto the ball next to New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
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Former Thunder Erupts in Primetime Tuesday Night Slot

Oklahoma native and former Thunder Lindy Waters III got an opportunity to showcase his value on Tuesday night for the Warriors, and he thoroughly impressed the audience at the Chase Center.

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Oct 27, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) defends Atlanta Hawks guard Keaton Wallace (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Three Takeaways from Oklahoma City's 24-Point Victory over Atlanta

The Thunder have begun its season with three straight wins by double digits, being one of just two teams in the Western Conference to remain undefeated thus far.

Nathan Aker
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Oct 17, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng (13) dribbles the ball down the court against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Ousmane Dieng Handed Opportunities in First Two Contests

Ousmane Dieng has been given some time to work with to start the season, let's look at what he's added to this Thunder unit.

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Oct 24, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Three Takeaways from the OKC Thunder's Season-Opening Win Over the Denver Nuggets

Overcoming a sluggish start, Holmgren flashing heightened ferocity and Wiggins holding down the fort saw Oklahoma City come in to Denver on opening night and claim a 102-87 victory.

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