Oklahoma City Thunder Crowned NBA Champions – And They’re Just Getting Started
In a season filled with heart, hustle, and historic moments, the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially made their mark on basketball history. On Sunday night, they were crowned NBA Champions after a convincing 103-91 Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals.
Let’s take a deeper look at how they achieved this remarkable feat—and why this may be just the beginning of a basketball dynasty in Oklahoma.
A Season to Remember: Thunder Dominate from Start to Finish
This wasn’t just any championship run—it was one of the most impressive in NBA history.
Key Highlights:
68 wins in the regular season, a figure only six other teams in league history have matched or bettered.
16 wins in the playoffs, completing a truly dominant season from start to finish.
This marks the franchise’s first NBA title since relocating to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008.
The Seattle SuperSonics, the team’s previous identity, last won the title in 1979.
Game 7 Recap: Thunder Seal the Deal
After a back-and-forth series, the Thunder delivered when it mattered most in Game 7.
Final Score:
Oklahoma City Thunder 103 – Indiana Pacers 91
Despite losing Game 1 at home and facing challenges throughout the Finals, the Thunder came together as a united force in the decider.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Way:
29 points, 12 assists, and just 1 turnover in Game 7.
Named both the NBA Regular Season MVP and Finals MVP.
Set the tone with creative passing and clutch plays in the fourth quarter.
One of the most memorable moments came with nine minutes left:
Gilgeous-Alexander assisted Cason Wallace for an easy layup, extending the lead.
Followed by a three-pointer from Jalen Williams, pushing the advantage to 89-68.
From there, Indiana never truly threatened the lead again.
Pacers’ Pain: Haliburton’s Injury Changes the Game
Indiana’s hopes took a devastating blow early in the game.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Early Exit:
Suffered a suspected Achilles injury in the first quarter.
Was already battling a right calf strain.
Had scored three three-pointers before collapsing in pain.
Left the game and was later seen on crutches, likely to miss time next season.
Without their star playmaker, the Pacers struggled to maintain momentum.
Defensive Masterclass from OKC
Indiana fought hard, even leading at half-time 48-47, but Oklahoma City took full control after the break.
Key Defensive Stats:
OKC forced 21 Indiana turnovers, compared to just 7 of their own.
Chet Holmgren set a record with 5 blocked shots in a Game 7 Finals match.
Indiana failed to score for nearly five minutes in the fourth quarter.
Bennedict Mathurin’s desperate attempt to throw the ball off the backboard and draw a foul captured Indiana’s frustration under intense OKC pressure.
The Brains Behind the Thunder: Sam Presti’s Long-Term Vision Pays Off
One of the most impressive aspects of this Thunder team is their youth and depth.
General Manager Sam Presti’s Smart Moves:
Took over operations in 2007.
Traded for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a 2019 deal involving Paul George.
Turned draft picks from that trade into key contributors, including Jalen Williams.
At just 25 years old, Shai has already become a superstar. Jalen Williams also shone brightly in the series, averaging 23.6 points, including a 40-point explosion in Game 5.
This Thunder team is now the youngest NBA champion in nearly five decades.
Small Market, Big Heart: Why This Finals Deserved More Attention
Despite lower TV ratings due to both teams being from smaller markets, fans who missed this series truly missed out.
It had everything:
Gritty performances
Young stars breaking out
Unexpected twists, like Haliburton’s injury
A rising powerhouse in OKC
This wasn’t just a championship—it was a statement to the entire NBA.
What’s Next for Oklahoma City?
With a young core, draft picks, and smart leadership, the question now is:
How Far Can the Thunder Go?
The future looks bright:
Gilgeous-Alexander is still entering his prime.
Holmgren is becoming a defensive anchor.
Williams is proving to be an elite scorer.
Presti still has future draft assets to build an even stronger squad.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are no longer rebuilding. They’re built—and possibly for years of dominance.
Final Thoughts
The Thunder’s 2025 NBA Championship isn’t just a happy ending—it could be the beginning of something historic.
They’ve shown that smart planning, teamwork, and belief can build a championship team, even without the glitz of a major market.
Stay tuned—this Thunderstorm is just getting started.
Sources:
NBA.com
ESPN
Bleacher Report
CBS Sports
Official Oklahoma City Thunder Media