The Thunder defeated the Pacers in Game 7 to capture the franchise’s first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City

On Sunday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder made history by clinching their first-ever NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. With a commanding 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling Game 7 showdown, the Thunder finally brought home the franchise’s inaugural major professional sports title, sparking jubilant celebrations throughout the city and among their passionate fanbase.

The Thunder’s success in this decisive game showcased the strength of their youthful roster—a strategy that fueled their dominance throughout the regular season. Leading the charge was NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered a spectacular performance with 29 points and 12 assists. His leadership on the court was complemented by stellar contributions from promising forward Jalen Williams, who added 20 points, and the dynamic Chet Holmgren, who recorded 18 points along with eight rebounds. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, amplified by roaring cheers and synchronized stomping from thousands of Thunder fans who rallied behind their young stars, driving the team toward this historic championship victory.

Reflecting on the team’s future, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the growth potential that lies ahead. “We definitely have room to grow, and that’s the exciting part. Most of our core players haven’t even reached their prime yet,” he said, signaling a promising outlook for the Thunder franchise moving forward.

The Thunder faced a significant challenge as the Pacers fought valiantly despite losing their All-Star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, early in the game due to a devastating lower leg injury. Haliburton had started strong, nailing three three-pointers within the first seven minutes before suddenly collapsing without contact during a drive, signaling the end of his Game 7 and potentially the entire season. His father later confirmed the severity of the injury as an Achilles tear, casting a shadow over the Pacers’ valiant effort.

Gilgeous-Alexander expressed deep empathy for his opponent’s misfortune, stating, “I couldn’t imagine something like this happening in the biggest game of my life. It’s heartbreaking and just not fair.”

During Haliburton’s time on the floor, the Pacers managed to hold a five-point lead, with the first half featuring a frenetic battle of 11 lead changes and nine ties. However, without their star guard, Indiana gradually lost momentum. Reserve point guard TJ McConnell stepped up with 16 points and six assists but was hampered by seven costly turnovers over a season-high 28 minutes.

The Thunder’s starting lineup featured their trademark size advantage, with Isaiah Hartenstein and Holmgren both anchoring the frontcourt. Adding to the team’s versatility was Alex Caruso, the savvy sixth man, who provided crucial floor spacing by sinking two three-pointers early on and maintaining a key role in the second half. Williams and Holmgren shined particularly in the pivotal third quarter, scoring nine and seven points respectively, while Gilgeous-Alexander contributed six points and three assists. This surge powered the Thunder to a dominant 34-20 scoring run in the third quarter, turning a tight contest into a commanding lead.

Despite a three-pointer from Myles Turner that momentarily tied the score at 56-56, the Thunder responded with a barrage of three-pointers from their star trio—Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams—propelling them into the lead. McConnell’s turnovers during this stretch helped the Thunder transform a one-point halftime deficit into an 81-68 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

Though the Pacers, led by Bennedict Mathurin’s transition baskets, briefly narrowed the gap to 12 points late in the game, Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch free throws extended the lead to 14. This sequence included a contentious foul call that drew ire from Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, nearly resulting in his ejection. A missed layup by McConnell over Holmgren soon after sealed the Thunder’s fate, culminating in Oklahoma City’s historic NBA title.

Gilgeous-Alexander capped off an extraordinary season by earning the Finals MVP honors. “This isn’t just a win for me,” he said emotionally. “It’s a win for my family, my friends, everyone who supported me growing up, and especially the fans.”

While the night was a joyous milestone for the Thunder and their supporters, it was tempered by the heartbreaking injury to Haliburton, whose clutch performances and buzzer-beaters had inspired the Pacers throughout the playoffs. His absence undoubtedly affected Indiana’s chances and casts uncertainty over the upcoming season.

Despite the setback, the Pacers fought relentlessly, but the Thunder’s youthful energy, depth, and resilience ultimately secured their first NBA championship since the franchise’s move to Oklahoma City—a victory that marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the team and its loyal fanbase.