The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their first NBA Championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series during the 2025 NBA Finals. This achievement was powered by their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose exceptional performance throughout the season and playoffs earned him multiple MVP honors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Impactful Season and Awards
Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the 2024-25 NBA season, leading the Thunder to an impressive 68-win regular season. He was crowned the NBA MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, and NBA Finals MVP, while also finishing as the league’s scoring champion with an average of 32 points per game. His scoring ability and leadership were pivotal in establishing Oklahoma City as the league’s top team from start to finish.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Reflection on the Season and Gilgeous-Alexander
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton spoke candidly about his own season-ending Achilles injury during the first quarter of Game 7 in the Finals when he joined ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show. The conversation soon turned to the Thunder and the incredible play of Gilgeous-Alexander.
Host Pat McAfee remarked on Gilgeous-Alexander’s near-perfect shooting during the series, recalling a moment when he observed the player in a hotel:
“I saw [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the hotel] and I just stared at him for like five seconds…and I said ‘Could you have [expletitive] missed? That would’ve been cool’ I don’t think he missed, could you guys feel that when playing against them?”
Haliburton acknowledged the formidable challenge presented by the Thunder throughout the season. He explained,
“Yeah for sure, we definitely expected that. [The Thunder] were the best team in the NBA all year…Shai is the MVP for a reason. I think that he gets paint touches at an elite level. Does a great job of getting to his spots, can score at all three-levels. The season he put together is one of the greatest seasons in NBA history,”
highlighting the guard‘s all-around offensive skills.
Upcoming Netflix Series Showcasing Both Stars
Fans will soon get an inside look at the elite performances of both Gilgeous-Alexander and Haliburton in Netflix’s Starting 5 series, releasing this October. The show promises a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their remarkable seasons and competitive journeys.
Significance of the Season and Future Implications
The Thunder’s championship and Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic campaign mark a major milestone for the franchise and signal a potential new era of dominance in the NBA. Haliburton’s praise underscores the respect the league’s top players have for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s achievements. This championship run is likely to boost the team’s confidence and visibility as they prepare for continued success in upcoming seasons.