The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated a historic victory on Sunday, clinching their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008. They triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a score of 103-91 in a thrilling Game 7 of the NBA Finals, held at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), led the Thunder with an impressive performance, scoring 29 points and dishing out 12 assists. His outstanding play earned him the Finals MVP award, making him the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2002 to win the scoring title, regular season MVP, and Finals MVP in the same season.
The game took a turn for the Pacers early on when star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury midway through the first quarter. Haliburton had been instrumental for Indiana, and his absence was felt as the Thunder’s defense tightened in the second half.
Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the team’s journey, saying, “So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions.” He emphasized the hard work the team put in to achieve this milestone.
The Thunder finished the regular season with a remarkable 68-14 record, marking one of the best seasons in NBA history. The Finals showcased two small-market teams, but the excitement was palpable as the Pacers, who had surprised many by reaching the finals, pushed the Thunder to the limit.
Despite an early lead from the Pacers, who were ahead after a strong defensive effort in the second quarter, the Thunder regained control in the second half. Gilgeous-Alexander found his rhythm, hitting a crucial three-pointer that sparked a shift in momentum. The Thunder opened the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run, effectively sealing the game.
The Pacers fought valiantly, with Bennedict Mathurin leading their scoring with 24 points off the bench. However, without Haliburton, they struggled to mount a comeback, falling short in the final minutes.
After the game, Thunder players celebrated their victory, with some humorously struggling to open champagne bottles. Veteran player Alex Caruso, the only member of the team with previous championship experience, stepped in to help.
Coach Mark Daigneault praised his young team’s resilience, while the Pacers were left to ponder another missed opportunity for an NBA title. The Thunder’s victory marks a significant moment in the franchise’s history, and they look forward to building on this success in the future.