Oklahoma City Thunder Triumph as NBA Champions in Thrilling Finale

The Oklahoma City Thunder have become NBA champions.

On Sunday night, Oklahoma City clinched a thrilling victory in Game 7 of the NBA Finals with a commanding second half, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91. This win marks the franchise’s first NBA title since relocating from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008. Despite the Pacers’ impressive run in the playoffs, they struggled to overcome a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, especially without their injured star, Tyrese Haliburton.

This triumph not only concludes an exceptional season where the Thunder achieved a league-best 68 wins, but it also highlights Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance as he was awarded league MVP for the first time. On Sunday, Gilgeous-Alexander played brilliantly against a determined Pacers team, propelling the Thunder to victory.

SGA Caps Historic Season with Finals MVP Gilgeous-Alexander was the Thunder’s beacon of hope during a tough first half, scoring 16 points while his teammates struggled against the aggressive Pacers’ defense. After halftime, he continued to lead his team, culminating in a remarkable Game 7 performance with 29 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. His phenomenal season was further celebrated with the Finals MVP award.

“It doesn’t feel real,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN post-game. “So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. Countless nights filled with disbelief and belief.” He acknowledged the dedication of his team, “This group worked for it. This group put in the hours. And we deserve this.”

Pacers Persevere Despite Haliburton Injury The game took a dramatic turn when Haliburton suffered a significant injury in the first quarter. After scoring nine points with impressive three-pointers, he re-injured a leg that had already been strained, falling to the ground in acute pain. His teammates immediately gathered around as he was assisted off the court, unable to bear weight on his right leg. Before halftime, his father confirmed fears that Haliburton had suffered an Achilles tendon injury, possibly sidelining him for much of the 2025-26 season.

Despite his absence, the Pacers led 48-47 at halftime, but lacked the resources to maintain their momentum without him in the latter stages of the game.

OKC’s Defense Secures Victory In typical fashion, Oklahoma City’s defense dominated after halftime, capitalizing on Pacers’ turnovers to score transition points. The Thunder won the turnover battle 21-7 and had 14 steals, which translated into a significant 32-10 advantage in points off turnovers.

It was a collective effort with standout performances from Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, and Luguentz Dort, each securing multiple steals. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also stepped up in the second half, contributing 20 and 18 points respectively, with Holmgren adding defensive resilience with 5 blocks.

The third quarter saw a 34-20 surge, turning a narrow halftime lead into a substantial 81-68 advantage, setting the stage for a triumphant fourth quarter in front of a jubilant home crowd.

Haliburton’s Absence Felt Deeply The Pacers’ remarkable playoff run, led by Haliburton’s clutch performances, had seen them overcome significant deficits. However, trailing 90-68 in the fourth, they fell short without him, despite Bennedict Mathurin’s standout 24 points and 13 rebounds.

Though Indiana battled bravely, led by key plays from Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and TJ McConnell, Haliburton’s absence was too great a hurdle, and Oklahoma City held on to savor its historic first professional championship before an elated audience.