Oklahoma City Thunder Capture Historic 2025 NBA Championship
After a captivating journey through the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been crowned NBA champions, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a hard-fought seven-game series. The Thunder secured their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City with a decisive 103-91 victory in Game 7 on Sunday. This championship marks a monumental achievement for the young, dynamic Thunder squad and a fitting culmination to a dominant season.
The thrilling best-of-seven series against the Pacers was the first NBA Finals to reach Game 7 since 2016, showcasing the resilience and competitive spirit of both Eastern and Western Conference finalists.
Game 7 Decider: Thunder Prevail After Haliburton Injury
The winner-take-all Game 7, played in Oklahoma City, promised drama, but took a significant turn early. Indiana’s star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, who had been pivotal in the Pacers’ playoff run – delivering multiple comeback victories and hitting clutch shots despite battling a strained calf sustained in Game 5 – suffered an Achilles injury in the first quarter. Though he managed 9 points in the opening minutes, the injury forced him from the game and he did not return.
Despite Haliburton’s absence, the Pacers showed fight, holding a narrow 48-47 lead at halftime. However, the loss of their primary playmaker proved too much in the third quarter. The Pacers struggled offensively, committing seven turnovers, allowing the Thunder to build a crucial 13-point advantage. Oklahoma City’s stifling defense held Indiana to their lowest point total of the postseason, pushing their lead to 22 points in the final period before closing out the 103-91 win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Dominant Thunder Season
The Thunder’s championship feels like a destiny fulfilled after an exceptional season. Oklahoma City finished the regular season with the NBA’s best record at 68-14, setting an NBA record for margin of victory by outscoring opponents by an average of 12.9 points per game.
At the heart of their success is 26-year-old superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Having already earned the league’s Most Valuable Player award and the scoring title during the regular season, SGA capped his historic year by being named NBA Finals MVP. He delivered a stellar performance in Game 7, leading the team with 29 points and adding 12 assists. Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the first player in 25 years to win the league MVP, scoring title, and Finals MVP in the same season.
“It doesn’t feel real. So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions,” Gilgeous-Alexander said post-game. “This group put in the hours, and we deserve this.”
The Thunder’s depth was also evident in the decisive game, with fellow young stars like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren scoring in double figures, alongside key contributors Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace. Head Coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s character throughout the year. “They behave like champions. They compete like champions. They root for each other’s success,” Daigneault stated, calling them an “uncommon team.”
A Historic Title for Oklahoma City
While the franchise previously won a title as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979, this marks the first NBA championship for the team since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. The OKC era has featured numerous stars, including Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, with Gilgeous-Alexander now the third player from this iteration to win league MVP. The team had reached the Finals just once before, falling in 2012. This victory finally brings the coveted trophy home to Oklahoma City.
For the Indiana Pacers, the wait for a championship continues. Despite a remarkable playoff run as the Eastern Conference’s No. 4 seed – highlighted by Tyrese Haliburton’s emergence as a playoff star and Pascal Siakam being named Eastern Conference Finals MVP – they were unable to secure their first NBA title. The Pacers have now reached the Finals twice (2000 and 2025) but have yet to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy.
This NBA Finals outcome also underscores a notable trend of parity across the league, with the Oklahoma City Thunder becoming the seventh different team to win the championship in the past seven years. For the Thunder, a young team in one of the league’s smallest markets, this victory is a testament to their talent, coaching, and dominant season performance.
