Oklahoma City Thunder Crowned 2024-25 NBA Champions in Game 7 Thriller as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes History
In a season defined by dominance, drama, and destiny, the Oklahoma City Thunder completed their fairy-tale run with a 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, securing their first championship title since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
The win not only capped a remarkable postseason run but also cemented Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s legacy as one of the game’s greats. The regular season MVP delivered another masterclass in the Finals decider, racking up 29 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. He was later named Finals MVP, making him the first player in 25 years to lead the league in scoring, win regular season MVP, and Finals MVP—an extraordinary trifecta.
Thunder Strike in the Third, Pacers Crumble Without Haliburton
The night took a heartbreaking turn for Indiana early on as Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ star point guard, exited in the first quarter due to what is feared to be an Achilles injury. He was already nursing a calf strain and was seen on crutches post-game, adding further uncertainty to Indiana’s future.
Still, the Pacers fought valiantly, taking a 48–47 lead into halftime thanks to inspired play from Bennedict Mathurin, who stepped up with 24 points off the bench. But the third quarter proved fatal for Indiana’s dreams.
Fueled by suffocating defense and high-pressure turnovers, the Thunder outscored the Pacers 34–20 in the third quarter, converting eight Indiana giveaways into 18 points. In total, the Pacers committed 23 turnovers, resulting in 32 Thunder points, their lowest-scoring performance of the entire playoffs.
Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball during the game against Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana (NBAE/Getty Images)
A Championship Season for the Ages
The 2024–25 campaign will go down as the most successful in Oklahoma City’s history. The Thunder posted 68 regular-season wins, the most in franchise history, and finished with the best scoring differential in NBA history at +12.9 points per game.
Their 16–7 postseason record, including two gritty Game 7 victories, showcased their championship mettle. While the Pacers stunned fans all playoffs long with Cinderella comebacks, OKC ultimately proved too sharp, too deep, and too driven.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JUNE 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates winning the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophy after winning Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers on June 22, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana (Photo by Logan Riely /NBAE via Getty Images)
What’s Next?
With the NBA Draft looming on Wednesday, all eyes turn to the Thunder’s next move. They hold two first-round picks, giving them the chance to build on their title run and extend their dominance into the next era.
As for Indiana, the focus now shifts to Haliburton’s health. If the Achilles injury is confirmed, the Pacers may be forced to compete without their franchise cornerstone for the entire 2025–26 season—an agonizing blow after coming so close to championship glory.
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