The Oklahoma City Thunder crowned themselves the new champions of the NBA after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in a thrilling seven-game series. The young team, with an average age under 26, accomplished one of the winningest seasons in league history and left fans on cloud nine.
Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a non-contact injury to his lower right leg during the game, but the Pacers rallied around their injured leader and put up a remarkable fight. However, without their late-game hero, they were unable to overcome the deficit.
The Thunder’s defense was a key factor in their victory, holding the Pacers scoreless for nearly five minutes in the fourth quarter. The team’s “Big 3” of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams dominated the game with three consecutive long-range shots that put Oklahoma City ahead by nine points.
Gilgeous-Alexander was named Finals MVP after scoring a game-high 29 points. He became the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to earn both regular season and Finals MVP awards, as well as joining an elite group of players who have won the league MVP trophy, scoring title, and NBA championship.
The Thunder’s victory marked the culmination of their hard work and dedication throughout the season. The team played with intensity, lightning-quick runs, and leaned on Gilgeous-Alexander’s near-perfect basketball to take home the title.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/23/sport/oklahoma-city-thunder-nba-title-spt-intl