The 2025 NBA Finals delivered one of the most thrilling conclusions in recent basketball history. After a hard-fought seven-game series, the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious over the Indiana Pacers, capturing their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Game 7 Recap: Thunder vs Pacers – A Historic Clash
Held in front of a roaring home crowd at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Game 7 of the NBA Finals was nothing short of cinematic. The Thunder outlasted the Pacers in a nail-biting 112–108 showdown, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) leading the way and earning the NBA Finals MVP honor.
Game 7 Score:
Thunder 103, Pacers 91
OKC Thunder: 2025 NBA Champions
For a franchise that has come close in the past—with legends like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden—the 2025 title is a monumental milestone. This marks the first NBA championship for the OKC Thunder, a team that’s steadily rebuilt through smart drafting and strategic trades.
Key OKC Thunder Players:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) – Finals MVP, led the team in scoring
- Jalen Williams – Crucial two-way impact in every game
- Chet Holmgren – Defensive powerhouse and rebounding machine
- Cason Wallace – Breakout rookie season with key minutes
- Luguentz Dort – Defensive ace, held Pacers’ wings in check
- Isaiah Joe – Sharpshooting presence from beyond the arc
- Alex Caruso – Veteran leadership and lockdown defense
Pacers: A Heartbreaking Finish
The Indiana Pacers had an incredible run to the Finals, with stars like Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner elevating their games. But despite valiant efforts, they fell just short in Game 7.
Did the Pacers Win a Championship?
No, the Pacers remain without an NBA title, their 2025 Finals appearance being only their second (the first was in 2000 against the Lakers).
Historical Context: Has OKC Ever Won a Championship?
Before 2025, the Thunder had never won an NBA championship. This win marks a new chapter in the team’s history, firmly placing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the ranks of NBA champions by year.
Fun Fact: Thunder Championship Shirts Sell Out in Minutes
After the win, OKC Thunder championship shirts flew off the shelves. Fans rushed to grab commemorative gear as the city erupted in celebration. Expect to see Thunder championship gear as a hot item across Oklahoma.
OKC Thunder Roster 2025 – Built for a Title
| Player | Position | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Guard | Finals MVP, elite scoring |
| Jalen Williams | Forward | Clutch shots, great defense |
| Chet Holmgren | Center | Blocks, rebounding |
| Cason Wallace | Guard | Energetic defense, hustle |
| Luguentz Dort | Guard/Forward | Perimeter defense |
| Isaiah Joe | Guard | 3-point shooting |
| Alex Caruso | Guard | Veteran leadership |