Imagine being in the Paycom Center while watching the clock run out on a thrilling game. With suspense running high, fans are glued to their seats. Out of nowhere, the buzzer blares—not signaling the end of the quarter but offering a chance to strike it big. These are the thrills of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s halftime tradition, where one lucky fan gets to make a half-court shot and win a massive $20,000 prize.
And that’s exactly what happened to Jaylen O’Conner during a recent Thunder game. O’Conner, a die-hard OKC fan, took his shot at glory just like countless others before him. He casually launched five attempts from the center court logo, seemingly leaving empty-handed. But with just five seconds remaining on the clock, O’Conner unleashed a perfect shot that swished through the net. The crowd went wild as O’Conner, filled with happiness, dashed around the court—a genuine rags-to-riches story on the basketball court.
This incredible halftime tradition returns to the 2008–09 season when MidFirst Bank joined the Thunder as a founding partner. Recognizing the importance of fan engagement, MidFirst Bank created this exciting opportunity to keep the energy high during breaks. While the half-court shot offers the biggest prize, there are other fun contests like “Show me the money,” where fans can score $200 by simply showing their MidFirst cards or creative signs.
But let’s face it, nothing beats the drama and potential life-changing reward of the half-court shot. Since its inception, 21 lucky fans have claimed the big prize, including O’Conner. He joins Cody Hoover, an 18-year-old student who won earlier this season, in the exclusive club of $20,000 halftime heroes. O’Conner, according to USA Today, plans to use his windfall to kick-start a business venture, while Hoover intends to treat his parents to something special. Talk about a dream come true for these fans, all thanks to a well-placed shot and a fantastic tradition.
Was the carnival an additional treat or consolation prize for the Thunder fans?
The Oklahoma City Thunder edged out the New Orleans Pelicans 94-92 in a nail-biting Game 1 of their NBA playoff series. This close win came just hours after Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named a finalist for the league’s Most Valuable Player award. He lived up to the hype, scoring a team-high 28 points, including the winning shot with less than 30 seconds left. So, yes. It was an additional treat for the Thunder fans.
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The Thunder’s young guns also played a big role. Jalen Williams added 19 points, while rookie Chet Holmgren showed his potential with a 15-point, 11-rebound, and 5-block performance.
The Pelicans put up a strong fight, even in the absence of their star player, Zion Williamson, due to injury. Trey Murphy III was the top scorer with 21 points, with CJ McCollum contributing 20. Jonas Valanciunas dominated in the paint, securing an impressive 20 rebounds in addition to his 13 points.
The game was a defensive battle from start to finish, surprising for two teams known for their high-scoring offenses. Both teams traded baskets throughout the second half, tying the score at halftime. In the final minute, the Thunder’s defense came up big, forcing a tough shot from McCollum that bounced off the rim as time expired, securing the win for Oklahoma City.
This intense matchup shows promise for an exciting series. Game 2 goes down Wednesday night in Oklahoma City.
