The Oklahoma City Thunder have made history by winning the NBA Finals, concluding an exhilarating seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers with a commanding 103-91 victory. This triumph marks the Thunder's first NBA championship since the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Remarkably, they become the seventh different team to win a title in the past seven years, showcasing an unprecedented level of parity within the league.
"It doesn't feel real," expressed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was awarded the Finals MVP, during a post-game television interview. "So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions, so many nights of disbelief, so many nights of belief. This group put in the hours, and we deserve this."
This series was the first NBA Finals to go to a Game 7 since 2016, with both teams showcasing incredible resilience through previous comebacks. The stage was set for a dramatic finale, but the game took a significant turn when Indiana's star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, was forced to exit early due to an Achilles injury. At just 25 years old, Haliburton had established himself as a bona fide star during the playoffs, leading the Pacers—who entered the Finals as the Eastern Conference's No. 4 seed—through numerous comeback victories.
Haliburton's clutch performances included game-tying and game-winning shots in the final moments of four different playoff games, including a crucial play in Game 1 of the Finals. However, misfortune struck when he strained his right calf in Game 5, raising concerns about his ability to contribute in the Finals. Despite playing only 23 minutes in Indiana’s Game 6 victory, he started strong in Game 7, scoring nine points in the first seven minutes. Unfortunately, disaster struck when he collapsed with an apparent injury, leaving the Pacers without their key playmaker.
The Indiana Pacers refused to back down, leading at halftime by a narrow margin of 48-47. However, the absence of Haliburton became increasingly evident in the second half as the team struggled to find their rhythm, committing seven turnovers in the third quarter. This allowed the Oklahoma City Thunder to stretch their lead to 13 points, which ballooned to 22 points early in the fourth quarter. The Thunder's defensive prowess was on full display, limiting the Pacers to their lowest scoring output of the postseason.
The Thunder's victory serves as a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season. With a remarkable regular-season record of 68-14, they not only clinched the championship but also showcased their dominance throughout the year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 29 points and 12 assists, solidifying his status as one of the game's elite players. Contributions from teammates like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace, all scoring in double digits, highlighted the team's depth and commitment.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his team, stating, "They behave like champions. They compete like champions. They root for each other's success, which is rare in professional sports. This is an uncommon team, and now they’re champions." This championship marks a significant milestone for the franchise, which previously won an NBA title as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979 before moving to Oklahoma and rebranding as the Thunder.
Before this year, the Thunder had only reached the NBA Finals once, in 2012, when they lost. Now, with their first title in Oklahoma City, the franchise continues to build its legacy, with Gilgeous-Alexander becoming the third player in history to be named MVP for the team.
