Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder To Their First Title in Epic Vogue

In a high-stakes Sport 7 on June 22, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder secured their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91. Led by a spectacular efficiency from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), who completed with 29 factors and 12 assists, the Thunder managed the second half and made NBA historical past.

Now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is being in comparison with the legends who helped form the sport. Many pundits have identified how SGA statistically outperformed Michael Jordan from his 1991 NBA Finals debut. Within the time for the reason that Thunder gained the title, they’ve been in every single place. Not solely did SGA win the title, he additionally gained the Finals MVP. Because of this, his legacy is being written in actual time.

Haliburton’s Damage Modifications the Sport

The sport took a dramatic flip early when Pacers’ star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a critical Achilles damage within the first quarter. The damage instantly disrupted Indiana’s offensive rhythm and shifted the momentum towards the Thunder. Regardless of the setback, the Pacers managed a 48-47 halftime lead, however their second-half collapse proved decisive.

Tyrese Haliburton already sustained an damage in Sport 5. Throughout that sport, the Thunder gained and took a 3-2 lead within the sequence. Regardless of the straight proper calf damage in Sport 5, Haliburton performed in Sport 6. There, the Pacers gained their house sport in Indianapolis. Because of this, this set the stage for Sport 7, the place Haliburton suffered an Achilles damage that ended his historic playoff run.

Notably, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ran over to verify on Haliburton. In spite of everything, he was guarding him on the play when he received damage. Following the sport, SGA despatched his well-wishes to Haliburton.

Third Quarter Surge Defines Thunder’s Win

The third quarter proved pivotal. Oklahoma Metropolis outscored Indiana 34-20, reworking a one-point halftime deficit right into a 13-point lead heading into the ultimate body. The Thunder’s aggressive protection pressured 23 whole turnovers, resulting in 32 factors off these errors. A key 13-minute stretch within the second half noticed the Pacers go 0-for-9 from the sphere and commit eight turnovers, a run from which they by no means recovered.

Till the third quarter, Indiana performed Oklahoma Metropolis intently. Because of this, it appeared as if the Pacers had an actual likelihood to win the sport. After all, successful the sport meant successful the championship. The Thunder misplaced their likelihood to win the title in six video games, once they misplaced Sport 6 to the Pacers in Indiana. So, once they noticed weak spot within the Pacers through the third quarter, the Thunder took their likelihood.

Oklahoma Metropolis’s domination of the third quarter set the stage for his or her fourth quarter dominance. In flip, that led to the Thunder’s championship.

SGA Earns Finals MVP Honors

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency earned him the 2025 NBA Finals MVP. His 29-point, 12-assist sport positioned him among the many elite firm of Jerry West, Walt Frazier, James Worthy, and LeBron James as one of many few gamers with 25+ factors and 10+ assists in a Sport 7.

Supporting him, Jalen Williams added 20 factors, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Williams averaged 23.6 factors per sport within the sequence and delivered a standout 40-point Sport 5. Chet Holmgren posted 18 factors, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks on 6-of-8 taking pictures, proving dominant on each ends of the ground.

Pacers Bench Shines Amid Starter Struggles

Indiana’s bench was led by Bennedict Mathurin, who recorded 24 factors and 13 rebounds, providing a spark within the absence of Haliburton. Nonetheless, their beginning lineup faltered. Obi Toppin was scoreless in 21 minutes. Myles Turner managed solely 6 factors, and Aaron Nesmith had 3 factors earlier than fouling out. Mixed, these three gamers tallied simply 9 factors on 3-of-13 taking pictures.

Pascal Siakam obtained a lot consideration and acclaim through the 2025 NBA Finals. Because of this, this led to lots of the analysts mentioning his heroics for the Toronto Raptors through the 2019 NBA Finals. After all, the Raptors win that title over the Golden State Warriors. Siakam performed effectively all through the 2025 NBA Finals, averaging 19.8 factors, 8.3 rebounds, and 6 assists over the primary six video games. Nonetheless, his shot didn’t fall in Sport 7.

Stat Sheet Comparability

Regardless of taking pictures simply 40.2% from the sphere and 27.5% from three, the Thunder’s protection carried them. They completed with 14 steals, 8 blocks, and gained the turnover battle 23-7. The Pacers really shot higher (41.4% FG, 39.3% 3PT) and outrebounded OKC 45-40, however the sheer variety of errors undid their efforts.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown:

The Thunder’s explosive third quarter broke the sport broad open, giving them the respiration room they wanted to shut it out within the fourth.

Large Moments and Turning Factors

Early within the sport, Lu Dort drilled a deep three to energise the Thunder. Defensive stops and transition scoring spurred a nine-point swing early within the third. When T.J. McConnell sparked a short Pacers run, OKC rapidly responded, sustaining an 81-68 benefit by the top of the quarter.

Lu Dort additionally had a run throughout Sport 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals that stored the Thunder within the sequence. The Pacers dominated the primary three video games of this sequence. All through the primary half of Sport 4, it appeared like Indiana would get one other victory.

Nonetheless, Lu Dort’s heroics modified that, giving the Thunder the area they wanted to win. That win tied the sequence 2-2 and the Thunder would additionally win Sport 5. Because of this, they held a 3-2 sequence lead. Throughout Sport 7, Dort continued his three-point taking pictures. Because of this, he led a turnaround that helped the Thunder win the title.

Historic Significance and The Thunder’s Future

This title marks the Thunder’s first championship since 1979, once they gained because the Seattle SuperSonics. It’s additionally the primary in Oklahoma Metropolis franchise historical past. The Thunder grew to become the primary workforce to endure a 40+ level playoff loss and nonetheless win the championship, showcasing their resilience.

For the Pacers, it’s a heartbreaking finish to what was arguably their greatest postseason run since becoming a member of the NBA. Regardless of three ABA titles, they’ve but to say an NBA championship.

With a younger core of SGA, Holmgren, and Williams, plus 11 first-round draft picks within the subsequent a number of years, OKC is primed to contend for years. Sportsbooks have already listed them as early favorites for the 2026 title. Moreover, SGA and Lu Dort grew to become the eleventh and twelfth Canadians to win an NBA championship, extending a streak of 4 consecutive seasons with a Canadian title winner.