The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their first-ever NBA Championship following a highly successful season, overcoming a resilient Indiana Pacers team in the Finals. The Thunder had proven their dominance during the year, entering the postseason as the league’s top defensive team and ranking third offensively, which translated into the best record and crucial home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for the Thunder with an outstanding individual season. After narrowly missing out on the MVP award last year, he elevated his performance to lead the entire NBA in scoring, averaging a career-best 32.7 points per game during the regular season. Instead of declining under the intense pressure of the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander sustained his scoring pace with an average of 30.3 points per game, earning him the coveted Finals MVP recognition.
Alex Caruso Commends Gilgeous-Alexander’s Relentless Focus and Leadership
Veteran teammate Alex Caruso played a key role throughout the Thunder’s championship run, contributing consistent defensive effort and energy even as his scoring varied. After the title clinch, Caruso spoke on the Pat McAfee show to highlight Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional mentality. He said,
“SGA is strictly business when it comes to basketball and that business for him is winning…”
—Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder guard
“His competitive fire is second to none. … All he wants to do is play basketball.”
—Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Caruso’s remarks emphasize Gilgeous-Alexander’s dedication and the driving force behind the Thunder’s success this season. His relentless work ethic and leadership on and off the court proved vital for the team’s championship journey.
Thunder Positioned for Continued Success with Stable Roster and Favorable Odds
Having reached the pinnacle of NBA achievement, the Thunder now face the challenge of defending their title and maintaining their elite status. With the roster expected to remain largely unchanged, Oklahoma City is already set for another deep playoff run next season.
Betting markets reflect this confidence, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing the Thunder as clear favorites to repeat their championship, offering odds of +225, which translates to an implied 30.77% chance. The Houston Rockets trail as the next closest title contenders at +750 odds, or approximately an 11.76% chance. The Thunder’s ability to stay healthy will be a key factor if they want to hold onto their favored status throughout the upcoming campaign.