Oklahoma City Thunder Win First NBA Championship with Game 7 Victory Over Pacers

The Oklahoma City Thunder have made history, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103–91 in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals to clinch their first championship in franchise history under the Thunder name.

This victory ends a 17-year title drought for the organization, with its only previous title dating back to 1979 when the team was known as the Seattle SuperSonics. The 2024–2025 Thunder also set the NBA’s best regular-season record, capping off a historic year.

Thunder Pull Away After Haliburton Injury

The game’s momentum shifted early in the first half when Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a right Achilles injury and did not return. Despite the loss, Indiana held a narrow 48–47 lead at halftime.

But Oklahoma City responded with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Indiana 34–20. That surge, led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, gave the Thunder full control entering the final period.

Though the Pacers briefly closed the gap in the fourth quarter—highlighted by an Andrew Nembhard three-pointer—Oklahoma City held their ground and sealed the win at home.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes History

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 26-year-old superstar guard, delivered another masterclass. He finished with 29 points, 12 assists, and just one turnover, earning him the 2025 NBA Finals MVP.

The Canadian guard becomes only the fourth player in NBA history to win the regular-season MVP, scoring title, and Finals MVP in the same season—joining legends like Stephen Curry (2015).

“It doesn’t feel real,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “So many hours. So many emotions. This group worked for it. We deserve this.”

A Team That Behaved Like Champions

Head coach Mark Daigneault, in just his fourth season at the helm, praised his team’s selflessness and commitment:

“They behave like champions. They compete like champions. They root for each other’s success—rare in professional sports. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this is an uncommon team. And now they’re champions.”

A Dominant Playoff Run

The Thunder’s playoff path was commanding. They stormed through the Western Conference, including a 4–1 series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference finals.

Now, with the championship in hand, the Thunder have not only ended their drought—they’ve ushered in a new era of dominance, led by a homegrown star and a tightly bonded roster.

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