Ibaka Visits Paycom Center as Thunder Top Cavs
Former Thunder forward Serge Ibaka was shown on the jumbotron during Oklahoma City's 124-116 win over Cleveland.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Basketball
Serge Ibaka was shown on the jumbotron and greeted with applause during a timeout at Paycom Center as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-116 on Wednesday, November 5, 2026.
Why it matters
Ibaka's appearance gave Oklahoma City fans a moment to recognize a player who helped anchor the franchise's run to the 2012 NBA Finals. It also underscored the lasting connection between the Thunder and the players who shaped its early years.
Ibaka averaged 11.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game on 52.3% shooting during seven seasons with Oklahoma City from 2009 to 2016. His return was recognized during a 124-116 Thunder win over the Cavaliers, though no return date has been announced.
The players
Serge Ibaka
Serge Ibaka is a former power forward who went on to play for the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, LA Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks after leaving Oklahoma City.
Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is a former Thunder point guard whose No. 0 jersey will be retired by the franchise.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder is an NBA franchise based in Oklahoma City that reached the 2012 NBA Finals.
The details
During a timeout in the Thunder's 124-116 win over Cleveland, Ibaka appeared on the jumbotron and the crowd applauded. The moment came as the franchise prepares to retire Russell Westbrook's No. 0 jersey before its February 7 game against the New York Knicks.
Timeline
- 2009-2016: Ibaka plays seven seasons with the Thunder.
- 2012: Oklahoma City reaches the NBA Finals.
- November 5, 2026: Ibaka is shown at Paycom Center during the Thunder's win over Cleveland.
- February 7, 2027: Westbrook's No. 0 jersey is retired against the Knicks.
Season Trajectory
Ibaka's visit fits a pattern in which the Thunder honor their 2012 NBA Finals core as the franchise builds around its current roster. The retirement of Westbrook's jersey in February places that era in sharper focus during the season.
Fans attending the February 7 game will see Westbrook's No. 0 jersey retired, a ceremony that may shape how the franchise's recent history is viewed. Season ticket holders and fantasy players tracking Thunder rotations should note the scheduled retirement event.
The takeaway
The Ibaka moment shows how a franchise's earlier stars remain part of its identity long after they leave. Fans can follow the Thunder's upcoming home games to see how the Westbrook ceremony unfolds.
What happens next
Russell Westbrook's No. 0 jersey will be retired on Sunday, February 7, 2027, before the Thunder face the New York Knicks at Paycom Center.
Further reading
For more on the franchise's history, explore Basketball coverage of Oklahoma City's recent games.
Source note: This article includes information reported by OKC Thunder Wire.
