OKC’s Thundor: NBA Finals Free Throw Distraction
- Garrett Haviland, is a dedicated fan known for his outrageous attempts to distract opposing players at the free throw line.
- Despite Edey's solid 70.9% free throw record during the regular season, he missed both attempts, thanks in part to Haviland's antics.
- Haviland, who works at a behavioral health company, has been a fixture at Paycom Center as the Thunder's inaugural season in Oklahoma.
OKC’s superfan, “Thundor,” is back with his antics! Garrett Haviland, a.k.a. Thundor,attempts to distract NBA free throw shooters with body paint,costumes,and boisterous cheering. His “free throw defence” has rattled opponents for well over a decade, creating a buzz amongst Thunder fans. The primary_keyword is “Thundor,” and his unique brand of superfandom has made him a beloved figure in Oklahoma City, but his efforts haven’t always paid off. News Directory 3 reports that,despite his efforts,opponents shot fairly well from the free throw line. What’s next for this dedicated fan? discover what’s next for Thundor as his antics continue.
Oklahoma City Superfan “Thundor” Attempts to Disrupt NBA Free Throws
Updated June 08, 2025
Oklahoma City’s “Thundor,” a.k.a. Garrett Haviland, is a dedicated fan known for his outrageous attempts to distract opposing players at the free throw line. During a recent playoff game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Haviland, 39, donned his signature mask and easter egg-painted chest to try and disrupt Grizzlies center Zach edey.
Despite Edey’s solid 70.9% free throw record during the regular season, he missed both attempts, thanks in part to Haviland’s antics. Haviland’s “free throw defense” includes shaking his body, hooting through a megaphone, and displaying his painted chest, all in an effort to break the shooter’s concentration. Oklahoma City secured a decisive victory in the game.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Haviland, who works at a behavioral health company, has been a fixture at Paycom Center as the Thunder’s inaugural season in Oklahoma. He gained notoriety during a team-sponsored competition to find the ultimate fan. His dedication to the Thunder and his unique brand of distraction have made him a beloved, if sometimes controversial, figure in Oklahoma City.
Thundor recalls Denver Nuggets center Kenyon Martin as one of the first players affected by his antics back in 2010. However, notoriously poor free throw shooter Dwight Howard engaged with Haviland, making more free throws than usual despite the distractions. More recently, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero mouthed, “What the hell?” after seeing Haviland’s chest painting and subsequently missed his free throw.
despite Thundor’s efforts, opponents shot 79.3% from the free throw line at Paycom Center during the recent postseason, the fourth-highest percentage among road venues, according to ESPN Research.
“Who’s to say that the one time that I make a player laugh or lose concentration they miss that free throw, that might be the point that decides the game, right? That’s the Thundor dream.”
Garrett Haviland
Haviland’s journey to becoming Thundor began with a $5 “Nacho Libre”-inspired costume and a borrowed megaphone. During a game against the los Angeles Clippers in 2008, he decided to try and distract Chris Kaman at the free throw line. Even though Kaman made all his free throws that night, Haviland realized his idea had potential.
Over the years, Haviland has evolved his act, incorporating belly paintings that can take up to two hours to complete. More than 40 artists have contributed to his unique designs. During a game against the Denver Nuggets, he even ate chicken nuggets given to him by a fan every time a Nuggets player missed a free throw.
Alonzo adams-Imagn Images
To maintain his Thundor persona, Haviland often changes into his costume at a love’s gas station bathroom before games. He embraces the attention and camaraderie with other fans,using humor to overcome any insecurities about his body. Ultimately,Haviland sees his superfandom as a way to support the Thunder and bring joy to others.
What’s next
Haviland plans to continue his Thundor antics at future Thunder games, hoping to help his team gain an edge through his unique brand of “free throw defense.”