Oklahoma City Thunder Crowned 2025 NBA Champions, Defeating Pacers in Thrilling Game 7
OKLAHOMA CITY – History has been made. The Oklahoma City Thunder claimed the franchise’s first NBA Championship, overcoming the resilient Indiana Pacers 103-91 in a decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. The victory culminates a truly historic season for the Thunder, marking a stunning turnaround and delivering the city its first major professional sports title after 17 years.
A Vision Realized: From Rebuild to Reign
This championship isn’t just a one-season wonder; it’s the payoff of a meticulous, long-term vision orchestrated by General Manager Sam Presti. Following a deliberate rebuild that saw cornerstone players depart, Presti laid the foundation for this era, notably acquiring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2019. Alongside key draft picks like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, and savvy additions like Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso, Presti and Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault rapidly transformed the Thunder from teams winning just 22 and 24 games into a Western Conference powerhouse. What felt like a future goal outlined in a 2019 letter quickly became reality.
A Season for the Record Books
The Thunder’s championship run capped a season of unparalleled dominance. After winning 56 games the previous year, Oklahoma City exploded for 68 wins in 2024-25, standing among the seven best single-season marks in NBA history. Their statistical supremacy was highlighted by setting the record for the largest point differential of all time in the regular season. By winning 16 playoff games, the Thunder finished with 84 total victories between the regular season and postseason, tying the legendary 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for the third most wins in any single season, trailing only two Golden State Warriors teams.
Game 7 Drama and a Pivotal Moment
Game 7 at Oklahoma City’s home arena was a hard-fought battle, particularly in the first half. The Pacers, known for their relentless pace and resilience, held a narrow 48-47 lead at halftime. However, the game saw a heartbreaking turn early on when Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton suffered a significant injury. Attempting a drive in the first quarter, Haliburton went down, re-injuring the same right leg that had bothered him earlier in the series. His father later confirmed the injury was suspected to be a torn Achilles tendon, a devastating blow for both the player and the Pacers’ championship aspirations. While Indiana battled bravely after his exit, the Thunder seized control, powered by a dominant 34-20 third quarter to build a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP, Champion, and More
At the heart of the Thunder’s success was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who capped off one of the greatest individual seasons in recent memory. The regular-season MVP delivered in Game 7, leading all scorers with 29 points and dishing out a postseason-high 12 assists, showcasing significant growth in his playmaking throughout the series. His exceptional performance earned him the NBA Finals MVP award, completing a rare “superfecta”: scoring champion, league MVP, Conference Finals MVP, Finals MVP, and NBA champion – becoming the first player to achieve this feat since Stephen Curry in 2015.
Defense and Depth Lead the Way
While SGA provided the star power, the Thunder’s championship was built on their trademark defense and depth, especially crucial against the high-octane Pacers. Oklahoma City’s swarming pressure forced Indiana into 21 turnovers in Game 7, leading to a commanding 32-10 advantage in points off turnovers. The team collected 14 steals, with defensive stalwarts like Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, and Cason Wallace each contributing three. Down low, Chet Holmgren anchored the paint, recording five blocks in Game 7 – the most by any player in a Finals Game 7 since blocks were first officially tracked in 1973-74 – adding to his overall impact alongside 18 points and 8 rebounds. Jalen Williams also provided a critical offensive punch, finishing with 20 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
Pacers’ Courageous Fight
Despite the significant setback of losing Haliburton and facing a deep deficit, the Indiana Pacers showed remarkable courage. They clawed back into the game at various points, cutting a 22-point lead down to 10 in the fourth quarter. Bennedict Mathurin stepped up with a strong performance off the bench (24 points, 13 rebounds), supported by Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell. However, without their floor general’s playmaking and facing relentless defensive pressure, the Pacers ultimately couldn’t complete a comeback against the top-seeded Thunder, bringing their surprising and valiant playoff run to an end.
An Uncommon Team with a Bright Future
At an average age making them the second-youngest champion in NBA history (behind the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers), the Thunder’s future appears incredibly bright. With their core players likely candidates for long-term contract extensions, the team’s window for contention is wide open. Coach Mark Daigneault lauded his squad, calling them an “uncommon team” for their selfless play and competitive spirit, qualities that ultimately delivered Oklahoma City its long-awaited first title.
The Thunder’s victory also continues a trend of unprecedented parity in the NBA, marking the ninth different franchise to win a championship during Commissioner Adam Silver’s 12 seasons. But for Oklahoma City, the focus is solely on this moment – the culmination of years of building, a historic season, and the sweet taste of finally being called NBA champions.
