The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the only NBA team to hold a public pregame invocation, a tradition that dates back to the franchise’s arrival in Oklahoma City in 2008. Before a May 18 playoff game, Pastor Danny Grover of St. Matthew Catholic Church delivered a prayer asking God to protect players, encourage sportsmanship, and bless fans gathered at the arena. The crowd responded with amens and cheers.
The tradition originated with the New Orleans Hornets, which temporarily played in Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina. Since then, dozens of local faith leaders from Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Native American communities have participated. Oklahoma’s strong Christian heritage has helped sustain the practice, with about 70% of adults in the state identifying as Christian.
Faith continues to play a visible role throughout the NBA, where players, chaplains, and teams regularly engage in prayer and other religious activities. Sports historian Paul Putz noted that basketball itself has Christian roots through inventor James Naismith, whose vision for the game was shaped by Christian ministry. Today, the Thunder’s pregame prayer remains a distinctive part of the team’s culture and game-day experience.
