NBA Finals 2025: Oklahoma City Thunder win the second title in franchise history, beating Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7
Share and Follow

OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled.

It was over.

The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions.

The best team all season was the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers – who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes – 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.

“It doesn’t feel real,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. “So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this.”

Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season.

Only Golden State (88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more.

It’s the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There’s nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title.

In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner.

The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an Achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a 13-point lead and began to run away.

Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, which still is waiting for its first NBA title. The Pacers – who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship – had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didn’t have enough in the end.

Home teams improved to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s. And the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history.

Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was part of the Toronto team that won in 2019, Thunder guard Alex Caruso was part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won in the pandemic “bubble” in 2020, Milwaukee won in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Pacers forward Thomas Bryant and Denver prevailed in 2023, and Boston won last year’s title.

And now, the Thunder get their turn. The youngest team to win a title in nearly a half-century has reached the NBA mountaintop.

The Thunder are the ninth franchise to win a title in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s 12 seasons. His predecessor, David Stern, saw eight franchises win titles in his 30 seasons as commissioner.

“They behave like champions. They compete like champions,” Daigneault said. “They root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional sports. I’ve said it many times and now I’m going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team and now they’re champions.”

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
FILE - In this image taken from body camera video released by Illinois State Police on Monday, July 22, 2024, former Sangamon County Sheriff

Illinois Deputy’s Trial: Jury Begins Deliberations in High-Profile Sonya Massey Case

In Peoria, Illinois, a significant trial has reached a pivotal moment as…
Find free food near you: Pantries and upcoming giveaways in Jacksonville

Discover Free Food Resources: Jacksonville’s Top Pantries & Upcoming Giveaways

As the shadow of food insecurity looms over millions of Americans, the…
Mamdani branded a 'despicable liar' over false 9/11 aunt claim

Mamdani Accused of Dishonesty Over Incorrect 9/11 Aunt Claim

A prominent socialist, poised to become New York City’s next mayor, has…
A house under construction is seen in Culver City, a neighborhood of Los Angeles on November 21, 2020. (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Unlocking the Housing Struggle: Why Los Angeles Tops the ‘House Poor’ List in the U.S.

The affordability crisis in Los Angeles often centers on renters struggling to…
Republicans demand probe of trucker licensing 'mills' after deadly crashes with illegal immigrant drivers

GOP Calls for Investigation into Trucker Licensing Practices Following Fatal Crashes Involving Undocumented Drivers

WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, two Republican lawmakers called on Transportation Secretary Sean…
Melodee Buzzard, Vallow-Daybell murders similar: Colby Ryan

Colby Ryan Draws Parallels Between Vallow-Daybell Murders and Melodee Buzzard Case

Colby Ryan, the sole surviving child of Lori Vallow Daybell, has expressed…
Animal welfare activist Zoe Rosenberg is arrested on a warrant by Sonoma County sheriff

California Woman’s Trial for Chicken Theft Brings National Attention to Slaughterhouse Practices

The ongoing trial of a California woman has captured the nation’s attention,…
Harvey, Illinois residents pack chamber as Harvey City Council, Mayor Christopher J. Clark meet for 1st time since mass furloughs

Harvey, IL Residents Rally at City Council’s First Meeting Post-Mass Furloughs with Mayor Clark

The Harvey City Council convened on Monday for the first time since…