Despite passing the eye and statistical tests, the Oklahoma City Thunder journeyed through the 2025 NBA playoffs with a surplus of critics on their championship odds. After they captured the Larry O'Brien trophy, Sam Presti had the chance to jog a joyous victory lap.

Sam Presti is more measured than the construction of the Devon Tower, so what was with the tears after the Thunder won the NBA title?

Some thought Presti’s many interests would take him away from running the Thunder, but not even the championship seems likely to do it now, writes Berry Tramel.