The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched their first NBA championship in franchise history on Sunday, June 22, 2025, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA FinalsOklahoma City. The victory ended a 17-year title drought since the team relocated from Seattle in 2008 — and it came on the backs of a historic playoff run led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s 2024-2025 regular-season MVP and Finals MVP.
A Franchise Transformed
For nearly two decades, the Thunder were defined by near-misses. After Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden took them to the 2012 Finals, the franchise fell into a rebuilding phase. But this year, under head coach Mark Daigneault, they didn’t just return — they dominated. The Thunder finished the regular season with a 59-23 record, the best in the Western Conference. Then came the playoffs: a nail-biting seven-game war against the Denver Nuggets, a statement sweep of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and finally, a gritty, emotionally charged Finals against Indiana.
The Path to Glory
The Thunder’s playoff journey was anything but smooth. In the Western Conference Semifinals, they faced the defending champion Denver Nuggets — and lost Game 1 by two points, 121-119. But then came Game 2: a 149-106 explosion that still echoes in NBA history as the highest-scoring playoff game since 2000. Game 3 went to overtime, with Denver pulling out a 113-104 win. But Oklahoma City responded with four straight wins — including a 125-93 demolition in Game 7 at Paycom Center — to advance.
Next up: the Minnesota Timberwolves. After losing Game 3 by 42 points — 143-101 — the Thunder roared back. Game 4 went to double overtime, ending 128-126 in OKC’s favor. Game 5 sealed it: 124-94, with Gilgeous-Alexander dropping 34 points and 10 assists. He was named Western Conference Finals MVP on May 29, 2025, accepting the Magic Johnson Trophy with tears in his eyes.
The Finals: A Battle of Resilience
The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, had stunned the basketball world by ousting the New York Knicks in six games. Their Game 1 win over the Thunder — 138-135 in overtime — felt like a statement. But Oklahoma City answered. They won Game 2, 118-106. Then, in Indiana, they split Games 3 and 4 — 117-110 and 112-109 — to take a 3-2 series lead.
Game 6 in Indianapolis was a thriller. The Pacers forced a Game 7 with a 119-107 win, sending the Gainbridge Fieldhouse into a frenzy. But back in Oklahoma City, on a humid June night, the Thunder were focused. Gilgeous-Alexander opened the game with 12 points in the first quarter. Jalen Williams hit five three-pointers. Luguentz Dort locked down Haliburton in the fourth. The final 10 minutes were a defensive clinic. With 1:27 left, the Thunder led by 12. The crowd chanted, "M-V-P!" as the clock bled down.
Shai’s Legacy
"Not fun times," Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game, holding the Finals MVP trophy. "And these stands — fans have been by our side through thick and thin. So, we appreciate them first and foremost. And then of course I want to thank my teammates. Without them I’m nothing. Clear as day. I don’t have 124 points by myself. I love these guys to death. Now with all that being said, this is a step in the right direction, but we have a lot more work to do. Let’s buckle up."
He finished Game 7 with 28 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Over the Finals, he averaged 31.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. He became the first player since LeBron James in 2012 to win MVP, Finals MVP, and Conference Finals MVP in the same postseason.
What This Means for the NBA
The Thunder’s win reshapes the league’s power structure. For the first time since 2019, the NBA champion isn’t from the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, or Boston Celtics. Oklahoma City is now the new standard for sustained excellence built through drafting and development. Their core — Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Isaiah Joe — is all under 25. The franchise has cap space, a deep bench, and a culture that prioritizes defense and unselfish play.
The Pacers, meanwhile, proved they’re no longer underdogs. Their run to the Finals — their first since 2000 — signals a renaissance in Indiana. Haliburton, just 25, is now a bona fide superstar. Siakam, 29, showed he can carry a team in crunch time. They’ll be back.
What’s Next?
The Thunder will celebrate, of course. But the work starts Monday. With the draft lottery now behind them, they’ll target a veteran wing or a rim-protecting big. Gilgeous-Alexander’s contract extension kicks in next season — he’s locked in through 2030. The question isn’t whether they’ll return to the Finals. It’s whether they’ll win a second.
Behind the Scenes: The 2025 Playoffs Timeline
- April 16, 2025: Playoffs begin; Thunder beat Warriors in Round 1, 4-1
- May 11, 2025: Thunder defeat Nuggets in Game 4, 92-87
- May 20, 2025: Thunder rout Timberwolves 114-88 in Game 1 of WCF
- May 29, 2025: Gilgeous-Alexander wins Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP
- June 5, 2025: Game 1 of NBA Finals — Pacers 106, Thunder 114
- June 22, 2025: Game 7 — Thunder 103, Pacers 91 — Championship secured
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance in the 2025 Finals compare to past MVPs?
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds over the 2025 NBA Finals — numbers comparable to LeBron James in 2012 and Michael Jordan in 1993. He became the first player since 2012 to win MVP, Conference Finals MVP, and Finals MVP in the same year. His efficiency (52.7% FG, 41.3% 3PT) and clutch scoring in Game 7 (14 points in the final 8 minutes) cemented him as a modern-era great.
Why is this Oklahoma City’s first championship since relocating?
The Thunder moved from Seattle in 2008 after the SuperSonics’ relocation. They reached the 2012 Finals but lost to Miami. Since then, injuries, trades, and rebuilds stalled their progress. This 2025 title is their first since the move — and only the second in franchise history, the other coming as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. It’s a symbolic moment for a city that never stopped believing.
What made the Thunder’s Game 7 win so significant beyond the score?
The Thunder won Game 7 without a single player scoring over 30 points — a rare feat in modern Finals history. Jalen Williams hit five threes, Chet Holmgren blocked five shots, and Luguentz Dort held Tyrese Haliburton to 14 points on 5-for-18 shooting. It was a team victory: defense, ball movement, and composure under pressure. No one player carried them — the whole roster did.
How does this win impact the NBA’s future landscape?
This title breaks the dominance of the Warriors, Celtics, and Bucks, proving that a mid-market team can win with smart drafting and coaching. With Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams all under 25 and under contract, Oklahoma City is now the model for sustainable success. Other franchises will look to replicate their player development pipeline — not just star power.
Did the Pacers have a realistic chance to win Game 7?
Yes — they were 10-3 in Game 7s since 2020, and Haliburton had averaged 24.6 points in elimination games this postseason. But Oklahoma City’s home-court advantage, defensive discipline, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s poise proved decisive. Indiana shot just 39% from the field and committed 18 turnovers — their worst of the series. The Thunder’s depth overwhelmed them in the fourth quarter.
What’s next for the Thunder’s roster?
With no major contracts expiring and $18 million in cap space, the Thunder can target a veteran center or a defensive specialist. They’re expected to pursue a trade for a rim protector like Nikola Vucevic or a veteran wing like Jrue Holiday. But their core is set: Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Williams, and Joe are locked in through 2028. This isn’t a one-time run — it’s the start of a dynasty.
