The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched their first NBA title with a 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 on June 23, 2025, as reported by AP’s Tim Reynolds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 29 points and 12 assists, earning Finals MVP, while Jalen Williams (20 points) and Chet Holmgren (18 points) sealed a historic season, ending with 84 wins.
Game Recap and Haliburton’s Injury Blow
Despite losing Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles injury early, the Pacers led 48-47 at halftime. The Thunder’s 34-20 third-quarter surge, fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking, built a 13-point lead they never relinquished. The youngest team to win a title in nearly 50 years, OKC tied the 1996-97 Bulls for third-most wins in a season.
Key Performances and Historical Context
Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around game outshone Bennedict Mathurin’s 24 points for Indiana, who faltered without Haliburton. This marks OKC’s second franchise title (following the 1979 Seattle SuperSonics) and the ninth championship in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s 12-year tenure, reflecting unprecedented parity with seven different winners in seven years.
Fan Joy and Legacy Impact
Thunder fans celebrate their team’s ascent, with a championship banner set for October. Coach Mark Daigneault praised the squad’s unity, while Pacers coach Rick Carlisle lauded his team’s effort despite the loss, setting the stage for OKC’s enduring legacy.
Posted on: 26 June 2025, 13:26 CET
