The 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder season marked a significant milestone for the franchise, as they emerged as one of the top teams in the NBA. Under the leadership of head coach Scott Brooks, the Thunder finished the regular season with a 47-19 record, securing the second seed in the Western Conference. This impressive performance was largely driven by their young, dynamic core, featuring Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, all of whom played pivotal roles in the team’s success.
In the playoffs, the Thunder demonstrated their prowess by sweeping the defending champion Dallas Mavericks in the first round. They then faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals, defeating them in five games to advance. Perhaps their most notable achievement came in the Western Conference Finals, where they overcame a 2-0 deficit against the San Antonio Spurs to win the series 4-2, showcasing their resilience and growth.
The Thunder’s remarkable run ultimately led them to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Miami Heat. Despite winning the first game, the Thunder were unable to sustain their momentum and lost the series in five games. Nevertheless, the 2011-12 season was a breakthrough for the Thunder, establishing them as a formidable force in the league and setting the stage for future successes.
- Regular Season Record: 47-19
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 4-0, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Western Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 1-4
Oklahoma City Thunder Roster and Stats for 2011-12 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Kevin Durant | 66 | 28.0 | 8.0 | 3.5 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 38.7 | 20 | 28.5 | 7.4 | 3.7 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 37.3 |
| Russell Westbrook | 66 | 23.6 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 31.6 | 20 | 23.0 | 5.4 | 5.8 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 27.7 |
| James Harden | 62 | 16.8 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 39.0 | 20 | 16.3 | 5.1 | 3.4 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 41.0 |
| Serge Ibaka | 66 | 9.1 | 7.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 3.7 | 33.4 | 20 | 9.8 | 5.8 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 25.0 |
| Daequan Cook | 57 | 5.5 | 2.1 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 34.7 | 16 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 33.3 |
| Kendrick Perkins | 65 | 5.1 | 6.6 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 20 | 4.7 | 6.2 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Derek Fisher | 20 | 4.9 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 31.4 | 20 | 6.3 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 37.5 |
| Thabo Sefolosha | 42 | 4.8 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 43.7 | 20 | 5.3 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 32.7 |
| Nick Collison | 63 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 20 | 3.5 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| Eric Maynor | 9 | 4.2 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 35.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Reggie Jackson | 45 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 21.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Nazr Mohammed | 63 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 8 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Cole Aldrich | 26 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 5 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Royal Ivey | 34 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 34.0 | 5 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 40.0 |
| Ryan Reid | 5 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Lazar Hayward | 26 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 28.6 | 5 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Dallas Mavericks
In the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a commanding performance by sweeping the Dallas Mavericks in a 4-0 series. Led by the dynamic trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, the Thunder showcased their explosive offense and youthful energy, overpowering the defending champions and setting the stage for a deep playoff run. Their ability to execute in clutch moments and maintain composure highlighted their emergence as a formidable contender in the Western Conference.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28, 2012 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 99-98 | |
| Apr 30, 2012 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 102-99 | |
| May 03, 2012 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 95-79 | |
| May 05, 2012 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 103-97 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their burgeoning potential during the second round by sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in four games. Led by the dynamic trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, the Thunder's combination of youth, speed, and scoring prowess overwhelmed the Lakers' veteran lineup. This dominant performance underscored their arrival as serious contenders and set the stage for their run to the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2012 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 119-90 | |
| May 16, 2012 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 77-75 | |
| May 18, 2012 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 99-96 | |
| May 19, 2012 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 103-100 | |
| May 21, 2012 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 106-90 |
2012 Conference Championship vs. San Antonio Spurs
In the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their emerging dominance by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Led by the dynamic trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, the Thunder rallied from a 2-0 series deficit to win four straight games, demonstrating their resilience and explosive talent. Their victory marked a significant milestone for the franchise, propelling them to their first NBA Finals appearance since relocating to Oklahoma City.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2012 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 101-98 | |
| May 29, 2012 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 120-111 | |
| May 31, 2012 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 102-82 | |
| Jun 02, 2012 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 109-103 | |
| Jun 04, 2012 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 108-103 | |
| Jun 06, 2012 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 107-99 |
2012 NBA Finals vs. Miami Heat
In the 2012 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by young stars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, made a strong push but ultimately fell to the Miami Heat in five games. Despite winning the first game, the Thunder struggled to contain LeBron James and the Heat's offensive firepower, marking a pivotal moment in the careers of their emerging talents. This series highlighted the Thunder's potential, but also foreshadowed future challenges in maintaining their core roster.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 12, 2012 | vs. Miami Heat | W 105-94 | |
| Jun 14, 2012 | vs. Miami Heat | L 100-96 | |
| Jun 17, 2012 | @ Miami Heat | L 91-85 | |
| Jun 19, 2012 | @ Miami Heat | L 104-98 | |
| Jun 21, 2012 | @ Miami Heat | L 121-106 |
Oklahoma City Thunder 2011-12 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2011-12 season for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25, 2011 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 97-89 | |
| Dec 26, 2011 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 104-100 | |
| Dec 28, 2011 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 98-95 | |
| Dec 29, 2011 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 104-102 | |
| Dec 31, 2011 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 107-97 | |
| Jan 02, 2012 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 100-87 | |
| Jan 03, 2012 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 103-93 | |
| Jan 06, 2012 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 109-94 | |
| Jan 07, 2012 | @ Houston Rockets | W 98-95 | |
| Jan 08, 2012 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 108-96 | |
| Jan 10, 2012 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 100-95 | |
| Jan 11, 2012 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 95-85 | |
| Jan 14, 2012 | vs. New York Knicks | W 104-92 | |
| Jan 16, 2012 | @ Boston Celtics | W 97-88 | |
| Jan 18, 2012 | @ Washington Wizards | L 105-102 | |
| Jan 21, 2012 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 84-74 | |
| Jan 23, 2012 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 99-79 | |
| Jan 25, 2012 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 101-91 | |
| Jan 27, 2012 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 120-109 | |
| Jan 30, 2012 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 112-100 | |
| Feb 01, 2012 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 95-86 | |
| Feb 03, 2012 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 101-94 | |
| Feb 04, 2012 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 107-96 | |
| Feb 06, 2012 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 111-107 | |
| Feb 07, 2012 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 119-116 | |
| Feb 09, 2012 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 106-101 | |
| Feb 10, 2012 | @ Utah Jazz | W 101-87 | |
| Feb 14, 2012 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 111-85 | |
| Feb 15, 2012 | @ Houston Rockets | L 96-95 | |
| Feb 17, 2012 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 110-87 | |
| Feb 19, 2012 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 124-118 | |
| Feb 20, 2012 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 101-93 | |
| Feb 22, 2012 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 119-104 | |
| Feb 23, 2012 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 100-85 | |
| Feb 29, 2012 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 92-88 | |
| Mar 01, 2012 | @ Orlando Magic | W 105-102 | |
| Mar 03, 2012 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 97-90 | |
| Mar 05, 2012 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 95-91 | |
| Mar 07, 2012 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 115-104 | |
| Mar 09, 2012 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 96-90 | |
| Mar 10, 2012 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 122-95 | |
| Mar 13, 2012 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 104-103 | |
| Mar 15, 2012 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 103-90 | |
| Mar 16, 2012 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 114-105 | |
| Mar 18, 2012 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 111-95 | |
| Mar 20, 2012 | @ Utah Jazz | L 97-90 | |
| Mar 21, 2012 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 114-91 | |
| Mar 23, 2012 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 149-140 | |
| Mar 25, 2012 | vs. Miami Heat | W 103-87 | |
| Mar 27, 2012 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 109-95 | |
| Mar 29, 2012 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 102-93 | |
| Apr 01, 2012 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 92-78 | |
| Apr 02, 2012 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 94-88 | |
| Apr 04, 2012 | @ Miami Heat | L 98-93 | |
| Apr 06, 2012 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 103-98 | |
| Apr 08, 2012 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 91-75 | |
| Apr 09, 2012 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 109-89 | |
| Apr 11, 2012 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | L 100-98 | |
| Apr 13, 2012 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 115-89 | |
| Apr 14, 2012 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 115-110 | |
| Apr 16, 2012 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 92-77 | |
| Apr 18, 2012 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 109-97 | |
| Apr 20, 2012 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 103-92 | |
| Apr 22, 2012 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 114-106 | |
| Apr 24, 2012 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 118-110 | |
| Apr 25, 2012 | vs. Denver Nuggets | L 106-101 |