NBA Finals 2012: Why the Thunder Really Are the Good Guys

Some clichés as true as they are annoying. 

The sentiment that the Oklahoma City Thunder are the "good guys" in this year's NBA Finals is one such cliché. It's more than just another storyline contrived by a media in search of compelling narratives—in this instance, it's actually a pretty apt description.

There's plenty to say about Kevin Durant's humility and quiet leadership, but he's not the only good guy around OKC.

There are plenty of reasons you should be rooting for the Thunder, even if you don't qualify as a fan. Beyond their middle-America allure, this team is truly the antithesis to the Miami Heat and—by derivation—all that's wrong with the world.

1. Derek Fisher Was Spurned by the Other Evil Empire 

Fisher was obviously and understandably taken aback by the Los Angeles Lakers' decision to exclude him from their future plans. In order to make long-term room for the younger Ramon Sessions, the 37-year-old point guard who's been so integral to Los Angeles' title success over the years became expendable.

A prototypical professional and team-first kind of guy, Fisher is probably a better fit with the Thunder anyway. After getting the Mitch Kupchak treatment, he should be your first reason to pull for OKC.

2. The Thunder Were Built the Old-Fashioned Way

Whether there's any merit to the possibility that collusion was involved in Miami's formation of the "Big Three," there's no question this club is more of a Frankenstein-creation than it is the product of organic team-building.

Meanwhile, the Thunder acquired their stars via the draft—the result of an actual rebuilding process. This franchise paid its dues at the bottom of the league's standings, and it came to prominence thanks to superior scouting and general manager Sam Presti's ability to put the right pieces together over the course of three drafts.

There was never an agreement between superstars to take their talents to the same organization. There were no promises to win countless titles. 

Instead, the Thunder do what every small-market team dreams of doing: building a contender from the ground up. 

3. This Club Acts Like It's Been There Before

After the Miami Heat won Game 7 against the Boston Celtics, they started dancing as if LeBron had finally won a title. In reality, of course, they still haven't done anything they didn't already do last year. And, we all know how that worked out. This isn't about spiking the football—Miami hasn't even scored a touchdown yet.

They may be on the 1-yard line, but there's plenty of work to be done. The Thunder understand that, and that's why you won't see them dancing until this series is over.

4. The Only Spectacle in OKC Happens on the Court

The Miami Heat are like a Michael Bay summer blockbuster. Despite a massive budget and endless hype, there's nothing especially rewarding about the outcome. It may be entertaining, to be sure, but you probably feel a little bit dumber after watching it.

There's also something inescapably inauthentic about the way this club operates. Before Dwyane Wade's celebrity recruits even stepped foot on the hardwood, the braggadocio had already begun. And yet, somehow this club wonders why the only fans who can tolerate them live in South Florida.

This team made the Boston Celtics likable, and that's no easy task. It'll be that much easier to like Oklahoma City.