The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a strong challenge from the Indiana Pacers to claim the 2025 NBA Finals title, winning Game 7 by a score of 103-91 at the Paycom Center. This victory capped off the Thunder’s determined effort throughout the series and was propelled by an outstanding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander NBA Finals MVP performance.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Honored with Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award

Following an already remarkable season crowned by the Regular Season Most Valuable Player and Western Conference Finals MVP honors, 26-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned the prestigious Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award on Sunday. He highlighted his efforts during the championship-clinching game with 29 points, 12 assists, five rebounds, and two blocks, contributing significantly to the Thunder’s success in their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle.

“So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions, so many nights of disbelief, so many nights of belief,”

said Gilgeous-Alexander in a postgame interview immediately after the decisive Game 7. —Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Leader

Injury Challenges and Team Contributions Shape the Final Bout

The Pacers faced adversity as key player Tyrese Haliburton was forced to exit early in the first quarter due to a strained right calf. Despite playing only seven minutes, Haliburton made a quick impact, scoring nine points, including three three-pointers. His premature departure placed additional pressure on the Pacers’ roster as the Thunder maintained control through the second half.

Supporting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant showing, German forward Isaiah Hartenstein contributed seven points, nine rebounds, and four assists across 18 minutes of play. Additionally, Belgian guard Ajay Mitchell and French forward Ousmane Dieng saw brief action in the final quarter, while Serbian player Nikola Topic remained sidelined recovering from knee surgery.

Thunder Achieve Franchise’s Second NBA Championship Title

By securing the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the Thunder marked the franchise’s second NBA championship, the first dating back to its years as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance throughout the Finals showcased his all-around capabilities, averaging over 30 points, nearly six assists, and close to five rebounds per game.

Overview of 2025 NBA Playoffs Progression

The Thunder’s final triumph followed a challenging playoff journey, starting with a dominant 4-0 sweep against the Memphis Grizzlies in the Conference Quarterfinals. They then edged past the Denver Nuggets 4-3 in a tense Semifinal series before dispatching the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers advanced through their side of the bracket by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in the Quarterfinals, then overcoming the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1 in the Semifinals, followed by a 4-2 victory against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Implications and Future Outlook for the Thunder

This championship victory not only celebrates the culmination of a successful season for the Oklahoma City Thunder but also positions Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as one of the NBA’s premier talents with his Finals MVP honor. With a relatively young core and key contributions from international players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Ajay Mitchell, the Thunder are poised to remain serious contenders in upcoming seasons.

As the franchise reflects on its first NBA title since relocation, the focus will turn towards maintaining this momentum, managing player health, and continuing to build around Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership to chase further success.