Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Hamilton, Ontario, exited the court for the last time this season, collapsing into the embrace of coach Mark Daigneault, finally allowing himself to smile. The Oklahoma City Thunder had just achieved an incredible feat by becoming NBA champions for the first time in franchise history, completing an arduous journey towards excellence. In Game 7 of the finals, the Thunder overcame the Indiana Pacers with a score of 103-91, marking the conclusion of a remarkable season.
Gilgeous-Alexander capped off his MVP season impressively, recording 29 points and 12 assists during the decisive game. The Thunder were the best team throughout the season and proved it once again by triumphing at the end. The Pacers faced a significant blow when star player Tyrese Haliburton suffered a serious leg injury in the opening minutes of the match, which ultimately hindered their chances.
“It doesn’t feel real,” Gilgeous-Alexander expressed shortly after being named playoff MVP. He reflected on the arduous path to victory, saying, “So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief.” His achievements this season are noteworthy, as he became the fourth player in NBA history to secure the MVP, Finals MVP, a scoring title, and a championship in the same year. This elite group includes legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal.
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander's stellar performance, Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 20 points, while Chet Holmgren added 18 points for the Thunder, showcasing the depth of talent on the roster. Overall, the Thunder's season was extraordinary, having accumulated a total of 84 victories between the regular season and the playoffs, which ties them for the third most wins in a single season. They join the ranks of the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls, behind only the Golden State Warriors (88 wins in 2016-17) and the Bulls again (87 wins in 2015-16).
This championship marks the second title in franchise history, dating back to when the Seattle SuperSonics won in 1979 before relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. Notably, there has been no previous recognition of the SuperSonics' championship in Oklahoma City; however, a championship banner is scheduled to be unveiled in October, finally commemorating their historic achievement.
The game saw the Pacers leading 48-47 at halftime, despite the early loss of Haliburton. However, the Thunder dominated the third quarter, outscoring Indiana 34-20 and building a 13-point lead that proved insurmountable for the Pacers. Despite their adversity, the Pacers put forth a valiant effort, with Bennedict Mathurin from Montreal netting 24 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Andrew Nembhard of Aurora, Ontario, also contributed 15 points for Indiana, which continues to seek its first NBA title after a rollercoaster season that started poorly but saw them competing for a championship.
Home teams in the NBA Finals have improved to 16-4 in Game 7s. The Thunder’s victory established them as the seventh different champion in the last seven NBA seasons, reflecting an unprecedented level of parity within the league. Players like Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, who won the title with Toronto in 2019, and Thunder guard Alex Caruso, who was part of the Los Angeles Lakers' title-winning team in the 2020 “bubble,” exemplify the diverse paths players take to experience championship success.
In summary, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, have etched their name in the annals of NBA history by becoming champions after a season defined by resilience, teamwork, and extraordinary individual performances. The youngest team to claim a title in nearly fifty years, the Thunder's victory resonates deeply throughout the league, marking a new era in Oklahoma City.
