New Russell Westbrook Commercial

I love, love, love this commercial.

Russell Westbrook does a terrific job for one. But what makes this spot work so well is the indelible connection that is made between the Thunder and the state of Oklahoma.

Over the past 2 1/2 seasons, we’ve experienced all sorts of surreal things that have made us shake our heads in disbelief that an NBA team is actually here to stay: team chairman Clay Bennett climbing atop a stage and uttering the words, ‘We made it,’ opening night, Kevin Durant’s scoring feats, coaching changes, Carmelo Anthony’s game-winners and the playoffs to name a few.

But Westbrook’s mentions of towns throughout Oklahoma, Blackwell to Bartlesville, Kingfisher to Kingston, is yet another slice of reinforcement that the NBA is planting roots right here in our backyard. If you’re an Oklahoma native, or even a transplant who’s fallen head over heels for this place, you can’t watch this commercial without feeling a special sense of pride at how Westbrook symbolizes how far this state has come.