- Oklahoma City Thunder were crowned the 2025 NBA Champions after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103–91 in Game Seven of the Finals on Monday, June 23, at the Paycom Center.
- This marked the Thunder’s first-ever NBA Championship, as they etched their name into the history books.
- League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the offense in front of a roaring home crowd at Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center, tallying 29 points and 12 assists as the Thunder clinched the series 4–3.
The Oklahoma City Thunder etched their name into the chronicles of basketball history as they secured their first-ever NBA Championship, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103–91 in a decisive Game Seven of the 2025 Finals on Monday.
Capping off a dominant season, league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the offense before a thunderous home crowd at Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center, racking up 29 points and 12 assists as the Thunder clinched the series 4–3 in a fiercely contested showdown.
This championship marks the Thunder’s first title since relocating from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008. The franchise last hoisted the trophy in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.
The Pacers suffered an early setback when star guard Tyrese Haliburton exited the game just seven minutes in after slipping during a drive to the basket.
Despite the blow, Indiana managed to take a slender 48–47 lead into halftime.
Haliburton, who had already drained three three-pointers in the opening five minutes, was visibly in agony as he collapsed on the court.
The 25-year-old, battling through a lingering right calf strain from Game 5, had to be assisted off the floor a devastating loss for the Pacers.
Capturing the championship was a surreal and emotional moment for Gilgeous-Alexander, who reflected on the team’s journey throughout the season.
“It doesn’t feel real, so many hours, so many moments, so many emotions, so many nights of disbelief,” said Gilgeous-Alexander.
“It’s crazy to know that we’re all here. But this group worked for it, this group put in the hours and we deserved this.”
“Our togetherness on and off the court, like how much fun we have, it made it so much easier. It made it feel like we were just kids playing basketball. It was so fun.
“We have a lot to grow, individually and as a group. I’m excited for the future of this team. This is a great start. I’m really excited for this team.”
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The Thunder finished the season with a franchise-best 68–14 record, a remarkable turnaround from their 22-win campaign during the Covid-shortened 2020–21 season, Daigneault’s first year as head coach after taking the reins in November 2020.
Oklahoma City tallied 84 total wins across the regular season and playoffs, tying the 1996–97 Chicago Bulls for the third-most victories in a single season.
Only the 2016–17 Golden State Warriors (88) and the 2015–16 Bulls (87) have recorded more.
NBA 2025 finals results
- Game 1: Thunder 110–111 Pacers
- Game 2: Thunder 123–107 Pacers
- Game 3: Pacers 116–107 Thunder
- Game 4: Pacers 104–111 Thunder
- Game 5: Thunder 120–109 Pacers
- Game 6: Pacers 108–91 Thunder
- Game 7 (Decider): Thunder 103–91 Pacers