OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) In a historic culmination to their season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as NBA champions for the first time, completing a remarkable journey of growth and resilience. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had a standout season, walked off the court after clinching the title, collapsing into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault, before breaking into a smile as he embraced the moment.
The Thunder demonstrated their dominance throughout the season, culminating in a decisive 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22, 2025. Gilgeous-Alexander capped off his MVP season with an impressive performance, scoring 29 points and providing 12 assists. The Pacers suffered a crucial setback when their star guard, Tyrese Haliburton, was sidelined with a serious leg injury just minutes into the game.
Upon reflecting on their achievement, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his disbelief at the hard work that led to the victory, stating, "So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It's crazy to know that we're all here, but this group worked for it." His sentiments were echoed by Daigneault, who praised his team's spirit and commitment, saying, "They behave like champions. They compete like champions. They root for each other's success, which is rare in professional sports."
This championship marks the second title for the franchise, previously known as the Seattle SuperSonics, who won the NBA championship in 1979. The franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and will now finally hang a championship banner in their home arena this upcoming October. The Thunder's remarkable season included a total of 84 wins across the regular season and playoffs, tying them with the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for the third-most wins in a single NBA season.
During the Finals, the Pacers momentarily held the lead at halftime, 48-47, even after the loss of Haliburton. However, the Thunder surged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring their opponents 34-20, which sealed their victory. Indiana's Benedict Mathurin stood out with 24 points and 13 rebounds, but ultimately, the Pacers faltered, unable to overcome their challenges despite previously leading the series 2-1.
This Game 7 win solidified a trend of parity within the league, as the Thunder became the seventh different champion in the last seven seasons. Historical context shows that this is a hallmark of a league experiencing unique competitiveness, with the Thunder becoming the ninth franchise to win a title during NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's tenure.
Reflecting on the loss, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the pain but emphasized pride in the progress made by his team. The Pacers, who were working to become the first team in NBA history to win a championship after a rocky start of 10-15 in their first 25 games, will have to regroup and build on this experience as they strive for future success.
As the Thunder celebrate their victory, they are recognized not just for their skill on the court, but also for their cohesion and the unique camaraderie that defines them as a team. With the championship trophy in hand, they prepare to cement their legacy and look ahead to defending their title in the upcoming NBA season.
