The Oklahoma City Thunder have finally reached the NBA mountaintop. In a high-stakes Game 7, the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103–91 at Paycom Center on Monday morning (Manila Time), securing the franchise’s first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. This victory marks the end of a years-long rebuild and the beginning of a new era for a young, rising team.
Leading the charge was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who dropped 29 points and earned Finals MVP honors. The win capped off a dominant postseason for OKC, who showcased composure, leadership, and defensive grit in the most important game of the season.
“It doesn’t feel real. So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions, so many nights of disbelief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here but it’s good work for this group, putting in the hours. We deserve this,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Game 7: Thunder Take Control Early
Oklahoma City took control from the opening tip, though the Pacers kept it close in the first quarter, which ended with a narrow 25–22 Thunder lead. Any hopes of a sustained Indiana challenge were quickly shaken when All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton exited the game late in the first quarter with an injury. He did not return, leaving the Pacers without their top playmaker for the remainder of the game.
Indiana entered halftime with a narrow 48–47 lead, despite losing Tyrese Haliburton late in the first quarter due to a leg injury. The Pacers held their own early, but the momentum began to shift in the second half.
The second half told a different story. The Thunder pulled ahead in the third quarter and never looked back, maintaining their lead and fending off every Pacers push to seal the championship.
“We had 24 minutes to go get it. 24 minutes to finish our season. It was either going to be bad or pretty. We did everything we could,” Gilgeous-Alexander shared.
Jalen Williams added 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren anchored the defense with four blocks and consistently disrupted shots at the rim.
A Championship Years in the Making
The Thunder’s championship is the result of patient team-building and smart management. After trading stars like Russell Westbrook and Paul George in 2019, the franchise embraced a full rebuild. Gilgeous-Alexander, acquired in the George trade, emerged as the face of the franchise, with key pieces like Williams and Holmgren added through the draft.
OKC entered the Finals with momentum after a strong regular season and impressive playoff run, and now the basketball world is wondering—was this the beginning of a dynasty? With their core locked in and a treasure trove of future draft picks, the Thunder appear well-positioned to stay on top.
For now, Oklahoma City celebrates a historic first. A team once defined by potential has finally delivered on it—and the best may still be ahead.
