The Oklahoma City Thunder win first NBA title in franchise history.
Julio Cortez via AP Photos
“Game 7” represents the ultimate moment in sports. Two teams competing: the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. One raises the trophy. One collapses in heartbreak. Victory brings champagne showers. Defeat brings agony.
On June 22, 2025, Oklahoma will remember its greatest moment. After 17 long years since relocating from Seattle, the Oklahoma City Thunder are finally NBA champions.
SGA Leads the Charge
They defeated the upstart Indiana Pacers 103-91, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He delivered 29 points, five rebounds, and 12 assists in an all-around masterpiece. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams (20) and Chet Holmgren (18) combined for 38 points and five blocks, helping secure the win.
Haliburton’s Devastating Injury
At first, the game appeared to be a classic in the making. Tyrese Haliburton opened hot with nine quick points, hitting three of his first four threes. However, Indiana soon encountered its greatest challenge.
Already battling a strained calf from Game 5, Haliburton collapsed with 4:55 left in the first after losing balance on a drive. He slapped the floor in agony, and reports later confirmed a torn right Achilles tendon. Therefore, the electric start to this winner-take-all showdown quickly shifted to heartbreak.
Despite the setback, the Pacers continued to fight. They entered halftime up by one after an Andrew Nembhard three, giving them hope of a stunning upset.
Thunder Take Control
The Thunder’s defensive pressure smothered the Pacers in the halfcourt throughout the game, allowing them to push their lead to as large as 22 points after Holmgren made a free throw with 7:41 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Indiana was able to cut it to within 12 with 4:11 to go, giving itself a striking chance for a miraculous comeback. With 3:05 left to play, a McConnell turnover by Lu Dort effectively sealed the Thunder’s victory, as they led by 12, and the crowd sensed the imminence of a championship.
“It doesn’t feel real,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “So many hours, moments, emotions. So many nights of disbelief. Many nights of belief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours, and we deserve this.”
Young, Hungry, and Historic
The Thunder are the second-youngest team, with an average age of 25.6, to win a title. Only the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers, led by MVP Bill Walton, were younger. The Thunder became the first team in a decade to win the title with the league MVP, following the 2015 Golden State Warriors, who had an ascending Stephen Curry as their MVP.
Their dominance showed all season. They went 19-2 after losses and posted a +259 point differential in home playoff games. Both are NBA records.
“They behave like champions. compete like champions,” coach Mark Daigneault said. “They root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional sports. I’ve said it many times, and now I’m going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team, and now they’re champions.”
A Dynasty Reimagined
This title marks a long climb from the Durant-Westbrook-Harden era that saw the rise and breakup. Durant’s 2016 departure. The solo Westbrook years. The playoff disappointment last season. Throughout everything, General Manager Sam Presti continued to build. The Thunder have finished second in the regular season and fifth in the playoffs since coming to Oklahoma.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti has done a fantastic job constructing the team since the team relocated to Oklahoma in 07-08. Since arriving in Oklahoma City, the Thunder have the second-most regular-season victories, behind only the Boston Celtics, and the fifth-most postseason victories.
The championship finally matched the vision.
“In saying goodbye to the past, we have begun to chart our future,” Presti wrote. “The next great Thunder team is out there somewhere, but it will take time to seize and discipline to ultimately sustain.”
Now, Oklahoma City becomes the seventh different champion in seven years, continuing the league’s unprecedented parity. After 17 years of belief, frustration, and growth, the Thunder finally have their first championship—and perhaps the first of many.
