The Oklahoma City Thunder are NBA champions for the first time since relocating from Seattle in 2008, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
The victory capped off an incredible season where the Thunder dominated both the regular season and playoffs, ultimately securing their first-ever NBA title in Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines in Game 7
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played a pivotal role in the Game 7 victory, delivering an exceptional performance with 29 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. His leadership and dominance on both ends of the floor earned him the Finals MVP award, making him the first Canadian to win the prestigious honor.
Gilgeous-Alexander became the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to win the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP in the same season.
“This is a dream come true,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “To win the MVP in the regular season and in the Finals is special. It’s been a journey with a lot of hard work, and I’m grateful for all the support from my teammates and the fans.”
Thunder Pull Away in the Second Half
Despite the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a right calf injury early in the first quarter, the Pacers remained resilient, even taking a 48-47 lead into halftime. However, without Haliburton, who had been playing through a previous injury, the Pacers struggled to maintain their offense.
The Thunder capitalized on this, outscoring Indiana 25-12 in the third quarter to take an 81-68 lead into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive intensity overwhelmed Indiana, as the Thunder extended their lead to 90-68 with 7:41 remaining. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to shine, hitting key shots and dishing out assists to keep the Pacers at bay.
Contributions from Key Players
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance, several other Thunder players contributed significantly. All-Star Jalen Williams scored 20 points, and Chet Holmgren had 18 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks. Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace both added 10 points off the bench, with Caruso also contributing three steals.
On the Pacers’ side, Bennedict Mathurin led the charge with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while T.J. McConnell and Pascal Siakam each contributed 16 points. However, Indiana’s 23 turnovers led to 32 points for Oklahoma City, which proved too much to overcome.
Haliburton’s Injury Dampens Pacers’ Hopes
The loss of Tyrese Haliburton, who had been playing through a calf injury sustained in Game 5, was a major blow to the Pacers’ chances. The star guard left the game with 5:02 left in the first quarter after suffering a non-contact injury while trying to drive past Gilgeous-Alexander.
Haliburton’s absence left a void that Indiana struggled to fill, as the Thunder’s defense stifled their offense in the second half.
“I’ve never been more disappointed for a teammate than I am for Tyrese,” said Pacers guard T.J. McConnell. “He’s been the heart and soul of this team, and losing him in Game 7 was tough for us.”
Oklahoma City’s Historic Season
The Thunder’s title capped a remarkable season. Oklahoma City finished with a league-best 68 regular-season wins and an impressive 16-4 record in the playoffs, becoming only the third team in NBA history to win at least 84 games and secure the championship in the same season.
Oklahoma City’s win also marked their second-youngest championship roster in the past 50 years, with a core led by Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren. The victory solidified the Thunder as a future powerhouse in the league, with many predicting more championships to come.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 103-91 win in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals not only secured their first title in the city but also cemented Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s place as one of the NBA’s brightest stars.
While the Pacers fought valiantly, particularly in the absence of Haliburton, the Thunder’s depth, defense, and leadership ultimately proved too much. With a historic season behind them, Oklahoma City now looks to build on this success and compete for many more championships in the future.
