Basketball June 27, 2025

Oklahoma City Thunder Seize NBA Glory in Emotional Game 7 Triumph

A New Era Begins as Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder Past Pacers in Thrilling Finale

In a Finals series that gripped basketball fans around the world, the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered on the promise of their young core, outlasting the Indiana Pacers in a dramatic seven-game showdown to claim the 2025 NBA Championship.

Victory was sealed on 22 June at a raucous Paycom Center, where the Thunder prevailed 103–91, bringing the franchise its first title since the Seattle SuperSonics lifted the trophy in 1979. For Oklahoma City, this was more than a championship – it was the culmination of a long rebuild, a declaration of intent, and the emergence of a potential dynasty.

A Series That Had It All

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Path to Glory

This was a Finals that defied expectations. Few predicted the Indiana Pacers would even reach this stage, and yet they arrived with grit, chemistry, and a superstar in the making in Tyrese Haliburton. On the other side stood a surging Thunder squad – led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and rookie sensation Chet Holmgren – with the league’s best regular-season record and a belief that their time had come.

Game 1 set the tone. Haliburton stunned Oklahoma City with a last-second jumper to steal a 111–110 win on the road. It was the kind of fearless moment that had defined Indiana’s postseason. But the Thunder were quick to respond. In Game 2, Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 34 points to level the series with a commanding 123–107 win.

As the series shifted to Indianapolis, both teams traded blows. The Pacers took Game 3 with another composed display, but OKC struck back in Game 4 behind Holmgren’s interior dominance. When the Thunder stormed to a 120–109 victory in Game 5, momentum seemed firmly in their favour.

Indiana, however, had one last twist to offer. Game 6 was theirs from the start – a 64–42 first-half lead set the stage for a comfortable 108–91 win, setting up a decisive Game 7 in Oklahoma City.

Gilgeous-Alexander Delivers in Game 7

There are moments in sport when greatness reveals itself. For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Game 7 was that moment. The Canadian guard was masterful under pressure, finishing with 29 points, 12 assists, and just one turnover, controlling the pace and lifting his team when it mattered most.

The game’s turning point came in the third quarter. After a nervy first half, Thunder turned a one-point halftime lead into a commanding 13-point advantage by the end of the third, outscoring the Pacers 34–20. Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrated everything, supported by a powerful showing from Jalen Williams (20 points) and Holmgren (18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks).

But it was Haliburton’s early exit that cast a shadow over Indiana’s hopes. The All-Star guard, who had battled injury throughout the playoffs, left the game in the second quarter with what was later confirmed as a ruptured Achilles tendon. The silence that fell over the arena as he was helped off said it all.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle later described the moment as “heartbreaking.” Speaking after the game, he said, “Tyrese has carried us with incredible composure and courage. We’re devastated, but incredibly proud of what this group achieved.”

Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

With a series average of 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.9 steals, Gilgeous-Alexander was a clear choice for Finals MVP. His composure in late-game situations, relentless drives to the rim, and mid-range precision were a nightmare for Indiana’s defence.

After the game, SGA reflected on the journey: “This is for every kid in Oklahoma City who believed. We’ve built this step by step. We knew this was our year, and we earned every bit of it.”

Williams, Holmgren, and German centre Isaiah Hartenstein also earned praise for their consistency throughout the Finals. Hartenstein, in particular, brought a gritty physical presence that grounded OKC’s interior play.

Indiana’s Grit and Growth

While the loss will sting, Indiana’s playoff run has laid the groundwork for future success. Haliburton had been averaging 30+ points through the Finals before his injury, while Bennedict Mathurin and TJ McConnell played pivotal roles in pushing OKC to the edge.

This is a team that grew in front of our eyes. From upsetting the Bucks and Cavaliers to going toe-to-toe with the top seed in the West, the Pacers have re-established themselves as a legitimate contender in the East.

Thunder’s Rise Built to Last

Thunder GM Sam Presti’s vision has come to fruition. With SGA, Williams, and Holmgren all under long-term contracts, and rising prospects like Nikola Topić set to return from injury next season, OKC’s title may be just the beginning.

Coach Mark Daigneault deserves credit too. His adaptive schemes, especially on defence, and ability to trust young players in high-stakes moments helped define the Thunder’s identity throughout the playoffs.

Basketball’s Global Stage: Looking Ahead to Abu Dhabi

Following the electric conclusion to the NBA Finals, attention now turns to the international stage. The NBA’s return to the Middle East through the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 promises another thrilling showcase – and fans eager for a premium experience need look no further than ES Sport’s ticket and hospitality packages.

In 2025, the excitement returns as the New York Knicks face off against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 2nd and 4th. With exclusive access to courtside seats, luxury lounges, and curated travel packages, ES Sport is delivering basketball experiences with a VIP edge.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, the NBA Abu Dhabi Games offer a unique chance to see basketball’s rising stars live in one of the world’s most spectacular destinations. ES Sport’s packages ensure you don’t just watch the game – you live it courtside.

A Finals to Remember

The 2025 NBA Finals gave us heartbreak and heroism, rivalries reborn, and the arrival of a new powerhouse. Oklahoma City’s journey from rebuilding project to NBA champions has captured the imagination of fans everywhere.

And with the global reach of the game expanding – from Oklahoma to Abu Dhabi – basketball’s future has never looked brighter.