NBA Fans Split Over Viral Drumroll Clip Before Thunder-Spurs Game
NBA fans found themselves in a heated online debate after Oklahoma City Thunder supporters accused the San Antonio Spurs of copying their traditions. This controversy has reignited discussions about a potential "next big rivalry" just before the two teams faced off on January 13.
Drumroll Celebration Sparks Controversy
What started as a simple pregame drumroll by the Thunder mascot quickly turned into a major debate. Some fans claimed the Spurs had borrowed the celebration style, while others argued Oklahoma City was actually mocking Victor Wembanyama's recent on-court antics.
Victor Wembanyama had introduced a new drumroll celebration during their last game against the Thunder. The celebration featured drumbeats followed by enthusiastic claps from the fans. Now, as a recent clip went viral right before the Spurs' January 13 game against the Thunder, the debate has exploded once again.
Mascot's Pregame Antics Go Viral
Right before the fourth game of the season between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, a hilarious incident captured everyone's attention. Rumble the Bison, the official mascot of the Thunder, took a direct shot at the Spurs' newly introduced celebration style.
The mascot continued beating the drum while fans joined in with synchronized claps after every drumbeat. Notably, the drum itself displayed the Thunder team logo. Victor Wembanyama laughed off the moment, but the incident quickly gained traction online as fans began reacting to the viral clip.
Fan Reactions Show Clear Division
Fans expressed strong opinions about the viral moment. One fan with the username jbondwagon commented, "This is shaping up to be a generational rivalry." Another fan named VegasCheesehead wrote, "Too bad they can't beat the Spurs." A third fan using the name HoodiiBarnes added, "This is what the NBA needed: the next big rivalry."
Some fans even believed the Spurs copied the Thunder's tradition. The Thunder have followed this drumroll tradition in every home game since 2008. User Tappinfool commented, "More like the Spurs copied Thunder. It's been a tradition since 2008." Another fan named Braden wrote, "Thunder do that before literally every game, holy casual."
The viral clip has clearly divided fans over the entire narrative. The Thunder advisory fan page responded, "First OKC game you ever watched or something?"
Season Performance Adds Fuel to Rivalry
In the current 2025-2026 season, the San Antonio Spurs have faced the previous year's champions three times. The Spurs handed defeats to the Oklahoma City Thunder in all three games. Both teams faced each other for the fourth time on January 13, 2026.
Currently, the Thunder team maintains a win-loss record of 33-7, while the Spurs hold a record of 27-12. This competitive performance adds another layer to the growing rivalry between the two teams.
