During Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center, Grizzlies center Zach Edey stepped up to shoot free throws. The Grizzlies were already trailing by 12 points late in the first quarter. Edey is typically a solid free throw shooter, making 70.9% during the regular season.
Against the Thunder`s strong defense, securing points from the free-throw line is crucial. However, Edey encountered an unusual form of defense as he prepared to shoot. This defense consisted of a group of enthusiastic fans, prominently featuring a masked individual with a painted, bare chest displaying “win” spelled out with Easter eggs. This fan intensely shook his body, used a megaphone to make noise, and put maximum effort into distracting Edey and causing him to miss.
Edey missed both attempts. This distraction came courtesy of Garrett Haviland, an OKC superfan known as `Thundor.` The Oklahoma City team ultimately won the game comfortably.
Haviland, aged 39, is a leading figure in what Thunder fans term `free throw defense.` This group effort involves other notable superfans like `Brickman` and `Thunder Princess.`
Whenever an opponent steps up to shoot free throws, Haviland dons his mask, moves behind the basket, and unleashes his characteristic `WHOOP` along with various calls and body movements. If a player is sufficiently diverted to look, Haviland`s painted chest provides further distraction.
Speaking to ESPN, Haviland explained his motivation: “It`s possible that the one time I manage to make a player laugh or break their focus, they might miss a free throw, and that point could end up deciding the game. That`s the ultimate goal as Thundor.”
Haviland`s Thundor persona has become a familiar sight at Paycom Center, and Edey is just one of many players who have been affected by his presence.
Thundor remembers Denver Nuggets center Kenyon Martin being the initial player influenced by his tactics. During a game on Christmas Day in 2010, Haviland, adorned with Christmas garland and a tree painted on his chest, successfully disrupted Martin.
Interestingly, Thundor`s efforts had an adverse effect on Dwight Howard, known for poor free-throw shooting. Haviland describes Howard as the most interactive player he`s met, often anticipating Thundor`s appearance and engaging with him. Over the years, Howard surprisingly shot better from the line when Haviland was attempting to distract him.
This season, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero showed the strongest reaction when Haviland displayed a chest painting featuring `Banchero vs. Chet Holmgren`. Thundor recounts Banchero mouthing something like “What the hell?” while trying to decipher the art, after which he missed his shot.
Despite these moments, Thundor`s tactics haven`t dramatically impacted opposing free-throw percentages overall this playoff run. Heading into Game 1 of the NBA Finals, opponents were hitting 79.3% of their free throws at Paycom Center, ranking fourth-highest among road arenas in the postseason, according to data.
Haviland notes, “Generally, players either ignore it professionally, or for the few I do manage to affect, I aim to make that distraction count.”
His journey as a superfan began during the Thunder`s first season in Oklahoma City in 2008-09. The convenience store chain Love`s, a team sponsor, ran a season-long contest to find the ultimate fan. As a native Oklahoman, Haviland saw the advertisement and decided to enter. Success required getting noticed during Wednesday home games.
During a game against the LA Clippers in November 2008, Haviland purchased inexpensive seats behind the basket. While planning how to attract attention, inspiration struck when Clippers center Chris Kaman went to the free-throw line: he would attempt to distract Kaman. Although Kaman made all three of his free throws that night, Haviland wasn`t discouraged. He saw potential in his impromptu idea and started developing his methods.
He recounts, “I began taking off my shirt and doing belly painting. Each year, I gradually increased the intensity to discover the most effective ways to distract players.”
Chest painting is a consistent element of Haviland`s persona. The process can take up to two hours, depending on the complexity and the artist. He ensures each design is unique.
More than 40 artists have painted on Haviland over the years. This postseason, he often gets painted just outside the arena, leading to interaction with other fans. On nights without a special painting, he appears shirtless with suspenders.
In a playoff game against the Nuggets this season, Haviland`s chest art featured a basketball dunking into a sauce packet. Each time he went behind the basket to distract a player, he would get a chicken nugget from a fan he`d convinced. He would then shake his body and simulate dipping the nugget into the sauce on his chest. If the opposing player missed their free throw, he would eat the chicken nugget.
“I ate a lot of chicken nuggets that night,” he commented, adding humorously, “And I can confirm that running down a long set of stairs, eating a chicken nugget, turning around, and running back up isn`t exactly enjoyable. It`s quite a peculiar workout.”
Haviland estimates he takes between 7,000 and 9,000 steps per game and attends almost all Thunder home games (around 95%). During the playoffs, he moves between both baskets, requiring him to hurry from his usual seats near Section 101 to the opposite side near Section 110 when players shoot there.
Outside of his Thundor persona, Haviland works for a behavioral health company supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. He assists their families or caregivers, providing training on how to best support those with special needs. His job involves a flexible schedule but requires traveling throughout the state, sometimes up to two hours from Oklahoma City.
Preparing for a game, Haviland transforms into Thundor in a manner reminiscent of Clark Kent, often changing in the bathroom of a Love`s gas station en route. He arrives carrying his costume and leaves with the regular clothes he was wearing beforehand. This transformation can sometimes lead to amusing or awkward misunderstandings.
“I`m sure some people look at me and think, `Wow, that guy just had an accident,` ” he joked. “Sometimes people give me strange looks, and I really want to explain, `No, seriously, I didn`t poop my pants!` But I just deal with it. I`ll change wherever and however I need to.”
Haviland frequently encounters other fans who want photos with him, and he`s often praised for his boldness in removing his shirt for the performance.
Reflecting on his motivation, Haviland shared, “Like many kids, I was bullied growing up. My way of coping was humor; I`d make fun of myself to divert the bullies` attention. So, this is my way of embracing something I was self-conscious about – my weight – and using it positively.” The positive use is aimed at causing opposing players to miss free throws, helping his beloved Thunder secure a victory.
While acknowledging it`s a somewhat absurd hobby, Haviland is proud of his role as it`s his unique way of supporting the team. His Thundor persona has also achieved a level of recognition far beyond his initial expectations.
He expressed gratitude, saying, “I really value the ability to stick with this, to see it develop and change, and especially the support and appreciation I receive from fellow fans.”
He concluded with his philosophy: “What`s the point of life if I can`t bring laughter and enjoyment to others?”
