George Kittle Fires Back at Fan Over Thunder ‘Bandwagon' Claim
While Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals was in Oklahoma City between the Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, it became a must-see, with the visitors winning a double-overtime thriller, 122-115.
The Spurs received an explosive double-double performance from their former No. 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, who had an incredible 41-point, 24-rebound stat line previously achieved by basketball greats Hakeem Olajuwon and Wilt Chamberlain.
Among his highlights were dominant dunks while double-teamed and a stunning three-pointer from just past the logo on the court to tie the game with under 30 seconds remaining in the first overtime.
Given the location, the game didn’t quite attract the level of star power that a New York Knicks or Los Angeles Lakers game might. However, several professional athletes attended the hot ticket event in OKC, including Atlanta Hawks player Nickeil Alexander-Walker and San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowler George Kittle.
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NBC and Peacock’s commentary team, which included Mike Tirico, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller, mentioned the NBA and NFL star, with the cameras also showing them several times during the game. That likely led to some confusion about whether he’s loyal to his in-state NBA squad or roots for someone else.
One critical fan tried to call out Kittle for his attendance at the game, sharing a clip on X of Kittle in OKC Thunder blue. He accused the NFL star of jumping on the Thunder’s “bandwagon” because he couldn’t support the Golden State Warriors.
Stephen Curry and GSW lost their second game in this year’s play-in tournament, which would’ve earned them a spot in the postseason. Instead, the Phoenix Suns had the honor of being swept by the Thunder in the first round.
“Graduated from Norman Oklahoma so you can chill bruh,” Kittle responded on X.
Before becoming a standout tight end at Iowa, he attended Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma, which is also the home of the Oklahoma Sooners, so he has a connection to the state and its contending NBA team. NBC’s Tirico mentioned that he asked Kittle if he’d ever seen an athlete perform like Wembanyama, and the NFL star told him “never.”
Kittle is also known for attending major events, including WWE’s WrestleMania 42, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, a month ago. It’s also likely a great escape from all the rehabilitation and recovery he’s been involved in this NFL offseason.
The 49ers star suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during his team’s playoff game and underwent surgery to repair the tear. Since then, rehab and recovery are the goal.
Although there’s no official timetable for his return, there is some optimism he’ll be ready for San Francisco’s season opener, which involves traveling to Melbourne, Australia, to play the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 10.
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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 11:19 AM.