In a Western Conference playoff game at Paycom Center, Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey stepped up to the free throw line against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 1. Trailing by 12 points late in the first quarter, the Grizzlies needed every point, especially considering Edey`s solid 70.9% free throw percentage in the regular season. However, against the Thunder`s tough defense, Edey encountered an unusual challenge at the line.
This challenge came from a group of fans, spearheaded by a masked individual known for his bare chest painted with designs, including `win` spelled out near his navel. This fan used vigorous body shakes, shouts amplified by a megaphone, and intense effort to distract the shooter and cause a miss.
Edey missed both attempts. His distraction was attributed to Garrett Haviland, an OKC superfan nicknamed `Thundor`. Oklahoma City ultimately won the game convincingly.
The 39-year-old Haviland is a key figure in what OKC fans call “free throw defense,” a group that also features other notable fans like `Brickman` and `Thunder Princess`. When an opposing player prepares to shoot free throws, Haviland dons his mask, positions himself behind the hoop, and performs his distinctive “WHOOP” combined with shouts and body movements. If a player looks over, the intricate body paint adds to the distraction.
“Who knows,” Haviland reflected, “if that one moment I cause a player to laugh or lose focus leads to a missed free throw that ends up being the game-winning point? That`s the dream for Thundor.”
Thundor has been a consistent presence at Paycom Center, and Edey is just one of many players he has attempted to disrupt.
Haviland recalls Denver Nuggets center Kenyon Martin as the first player noticeably affected by his methods. During a Christmas Day game in 2010, with a Christmas tree painted on his chest and wrapped in garland, Thundor successfully distracted Martin.
Interestingly, Thundor`s efforts often backfired against the notoriously poor free throw shooter Dwight Howard, whom Haviland describes as the most interactive player he`s faced. Howard reportedly anticipated Thundor`s presence and engaged with the character. Over time, Howard actually seemed to shoot better when Haviland was trying to distract him.
This season`s most significant reaction came from Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero. When Haviland displayed a chest painting depicting Banchero versus Chet Holmgren, Thundor claims Banchero appeared confused, mouthed “What the hell?” as he tried to decipher the art, and subsequently missed his free throw.
However, Thundor`s distractions haven`t consistently hindered opponents during the Thunder`s recent playoff run. Before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, teams visiting Paycom Center shot a high 79.3% from the line this postseason. Haviland notes, “Most players either ignore it because they are professionals, or for the few I do manage to affect, I make sure the effort is worthwhile.”
His journey as a superfan began during the Thunder`s first season in Oklahoma (2008-09). Local sponsor Love`s held a contest to find the ultimate fan, and Haviland, a native Oklahoman, decided to enter. The requirement was to stand out at Wednesday home games.
In a November 2008 game against the LA Clippers, Haviland secured inexpensive seats behind the basket and started strategizing on how to get noticed. The idea struck him when Clippers center Chris Kaman went to the free throw line: he would attempt to distract Kaman. Although Kaman made all three of his shots that night, the experience inspired Haviland, who saw potential in his impromptu plan and began developing his techniques.
“I began ripping my shirt off, doing belly paints,” he explained. “I just gradually increased the intensity each year to discover the most effective distractions.”
Chest painting became a signature element of Haviland`s persona. Each unique design, often taking up to two hours depending on the artist, is never repeated.
Over 40 artists have contributed to his body art over the years. During recent playoffs, he often gets painted outside the arena, which draws fan attention. On occasions without a painting, he appears shirtless wearing suspenders.
While he initially wore shirts, by the 2010-11 season, his shirt started coming off. A memorable moment was ripping off his shirt during a Halloween game against the Utah Jazz to reveal a jack-o`-lantern painting.
In a Western Conference semifinals game against the Nuggets this postseason, Haviland`s chest featured a basketball dunking into a sauce packet. Each time he rushed behind the basket to attempt a distraction, he`d get a chicken nugget from a cooperative fan, perform his body shakes, and pretend to dip the nugget into his painted sauce. If the player missed, he ate the nugget. “I ate a lot of chicken nuggets that night,” he remarked, adding, “It`s quite an unusual workout to sprint down stairs, eat a nugget, and then sprint back up.”
Haviland estimates he takes 7,000-9,000 steps per game and attends around 95% of home games. In the playoffs, he moves between both ends of the court, involving a rush whenever players shoot free throws on the opposite side of the arena from his usual seats.
By day, Haviland works at a behavioral health organization, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. He trains families and staff on providing better care. His job offers a flexible schedule but requires extensive travel across the state, sometimes up to two hours away from Oklahoma City.
Consequently, transforming into Thundor before a game often involves a “Clark Kent” style change, frequently happening in a Love`s gas station restroom en route. He enters with his costume bag and leaves carrying his street clothes, sometimes leading to awkward glances. “I`m sure people look at me like, `Oh, dude, that guy just crapped himself,`” he commented, “and there are times I get side-eyed and wish I could just say, `No, I promise I didn`t poop my pants!` But I just do what I have to do wherever I can change.”
Haviland is frequently approached by fans for photos and is often praised for his bravery in tearing off his shirt. He shared, “Like many kids, I was bullied. My coping strategy was humor, often making fun of myself to divert attention. This persona is my way of addressing something I`m self-conscious about – my weight – and using it positively.” That positive use is helping his beloved Thunder team win by causing opponents to miss free throws.
While acknowledging it`s a playful pursuit, Haviland finds pride in his role as it`s his unique way of supporting the team. The popularity of his Thundor character has exceeded his expectations. “I really value the commitment, seeing the character develop, and the support and the appreciation I get from fellow fans,” he stated, adding, “Life`s about bringing joy and having fun.”