Thunder Claim 2025 NBA Championship in Thrilling Game 7 Victory

OKLAHOMA CITY, June 22, 2025 – The Oklahoma City Thunder captured their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in a dramatic Game 7 at the Paycom Center. This historic win marks the franchise’s first title since its days as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979, and the first in the Thunder era, ending years of near-misses and playoff heartbreaks.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named Finals MVP

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who also won the league MVP this season, delivered a commanding performance with 29 points and 12 assists in the decisive game, earning Finals MVP honors. Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and scoring prowess were pivotal throughout the series, and he finished the regular season averaging 32.7 points per game, setting a new record for the most points in a title-winning season, surpassing Michael Jordan’s 1992-93 mark.

Game 7: A Battle of Determination and Defense

The atmosphere was electric as the Finals reached a Game 7 for the first time since 2016. The Pacers started strong, but their hopes were dashed when All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, already nursing a calf strain, suffered a devastating Achilles injury just five minutes into the first quarter. Haliburton, visibly emotional, was ruled out for the remainder of the game, leaving Indiana without its offensive engine.

Despite the setback, Indiana held a narrow 48-47 lead at halftime, buoyed by the efforts of backup guard T.J. McConnell. However, Oklahoma City’s league-best defense took over in the second half, forcing 23 turnovers and converting them into 32 points, while the Pacers managed only eight forced turnovers for 10 points. Chet Holmgren made history with five blocked shots, the most ever in a Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Thunder’s Youth and Depth Make History

The Thunder, featuring one of the youngest rosters in NBA history, became the second-youngest team ever to win a championship, trailing only the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers. Defensive standouts Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace each recorded three steals, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.

Pacers Fall Short Amid Adversity

The Pacers, seeking their first NBA title, fought valiantly despite Haliburton’s absence. They were ultimately undone by turnovers and Oklahoma City’s relentless defense. McConnell led Indiana’s response but committed a team-high seven turnovers under the Thunder’s pressure.

Looking Ahead: Offseason Drama Begins

As the confetti fell in Oklahoma City, the NBA offseason kicked off with a seismic move: Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets, signaling significant roster changes ahead of the 2025-26 season.

With this victory, the Thunder join an elite group as the seventh different NBA champion in as many years, underscoring the league’s competitive balance and the dawn of a new era in Oklahoma City.