The Oklahoma City Thunder have won the NBA title after a thrilling Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers, finishing the game 103-91. The Thunder’s strong second-half performance and tough defense were too much for the Pacers, who were missing star player Tyrese Haliburton due to injury early in the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points and 12 assists, earning Finals MVP honors alongside his regular-season MVP and scoring title. Jalen Williams scored 20 points, with 15 coming in the second half, while Chet Holmgren contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and five blocked shots.
The Pacers showed resilience despite losing Tyrese Haliburton to a right leg injury just seven minutes into the game. Haliburton had already scored nine points, all from three-pointers, before he had to leave the court.
Even without Haliburton, the Pacers stayed close, holding a 48-47 lead at halftime. Bennedict Mathurin led the bench with 24 points, while Pascal Siakam and T.J. McConnell added 16 points each.
The third quarter was decisive, as the Thunder outscored the Pacers 34-20. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sparked a key 9-0 run with a three-pointer, followed by treys from Holmgren and Williams. This gave Oklahoma City Thunder a lead they would keep for the rest of the game.
The Thunder’s defense forced 23 turnovers, leading to 32 points, which the Pacers could not overcome.
This NBA title is the Thunder’s first since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. The franchise last won a championship in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics. The Pacers, who have a proud history as three-time ABA champions, remain in search of their first NBA title.
