As far as teams that Thunder fans probably already know to hate, the Memphis Grizzlies are pretty high on the list. The epic seven game Western Conference semi-final from last season cemented them as a rival. Then if history wasn't enough, the Grizz came into the Peake on Monday and killed the buzz Oklahoma City was feeling during the Thunder's six game winning streak that included wins over the Clippers, Heat, Lakers, and Bulls who are all high in the standings.
Media pundits who have been hemming and hawing over the Thunder's chances at winning a title were suddenly hustling to move OKC up to the top of their "power rankings." Then, Memphis who is fighting just to secure a playoff spot ends the run in a game at the Thunderdome. That was enough to make me hate the team irrationally. But here are some rational reasons:
Zach Randolph's fat face
It actually has less to do with Randolph's face being fat (although, come on, he's being paid $15.2MM this year for his athletic ability, shouldn't he take care of his, you know, athleticism) as what's on that fat face. While he goes around manhandling opposing forwards with his manboobs, Randolph acts like referees are always screwing him. Let's see, Zach, they let you get away with bull rushing a rebounder with position on you into the stands, but we are supposed to feel sorry for how they persecute you when they don't call a foul simply because you missed your fade away jump shot.
The implication that Memphis is like Oklahoma City