In case you missed it -- and in the unlikely event that you care -- the Oklahoma City team has a name: Thunder. Here is the official Web site.
Just what Newsday needs. Another lame, singular team name to lump in with Heat and Magic, thus further highlighting the fact that our journalistic style on singular team names is incorrect.
A collective noun, even if it has a singular name, should take a plural verb. As in, "The Magic are among the favorites to win the Southeast Division." Newsday style insists that I write, "The Magic is among the favorites to win the Southeast Division." That doesn't make any sense. The Knicks are ... the Nets are ... the Thunder, Heat, or Magic are ...
If you want proof, see the entry on the Minnesota Wild from the AP Stylebook FAQ.
There, I feel better now. Allow me to congratulate myself for producing the most obscure blog entry in blogging history.
Updated 12:18 p.m. The guys at SLAM don't like the nickname at all, and the headline on their entry brings up another reason not to like it. The second syllable in Thunderstruck rhymes with a four-letter word that means "stink" and could lead to some unfortunate chanting by fans if the Thunder aren't very good.
Updated 3:52 p.m. Check out the online poll at InsideHoops.com, where only 19 percent love or like the nickname and 41 percent hate the logo.
Comments (2)
I'm so glad a writer finally came out and said that, Berger! I hate watching the ESPN Bottom Line and seeing, "Magic signs..." and then, "Knicks sign..."
thanks, tony. like your blog. -- KB