The Oklahoma City Thunder have won the NBA Championship, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in a decisive Game 7.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the undisputed star, securing the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, making him just the fourth player, and first since Shaquille O’Neal, to win the regular season MVP, scoring title, and Finals MVP in the same season.
Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, powered the Thunder with 29 points and 12 assists in their home victory, clinching the series 4-3.
This marks the Thunder’s first title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008.
The Pacers faced an early setback when star Tyrese Haliburton exited with a leg injury just seven minutes into the game.
Despite this, Indiana held a narrow lead at halftime. However, the youthful Thunder, the youngest team to win an NBA title since 1977, dominated the third quarter 34-20 and never looked back.
“It doesn’t feel real,” said an emotional Gilgeous-Alexander, praising his team’s hard work and togetherness. “We deserved this.”
Coach Mark Daigneault lauded his team’s championship mentality. “They behave like champions, they compete like champions,” he stated, highlighting their “uncommon” unity.
For the Pacers, Haliburton’s injury was a cruel blow, though coach Rick Carlisle expressed confidence in his return.
This championship marks a remarkable turnaround for the Thunder, who achieved a franchise-record 68 wins just four years after a 22-win season.
