The Oklahoma City Thunder captured their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103–91 in Game 7 of the Finals at Paycom Center on Sunday night. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points and 12 assists, closing out a season where he also earned the league’s Most Valuable Player award.
The game’s tone shifted in the first quarter when Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton exited with an Achilles tendon injury. Haliburton had made three of his first four three-point attempts before falling to the floor on a drive to the basket. The Pacers gathered around their fallen teammate before he was helped off the court and later ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Indiana remained competitive through the first half, trailing by only one point at the break. But Oklahoma City surged in the third quarter, outscoring the Pacers by 14 points to take control. Jalen Williams contributed 20 points, while Chet Holmgren added 18, helping the Thunder build a lead they maintained in the final period.
Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin led his team with 24 points and 13 rebounds, and TJ McConnell added a second-half spark, but the Pacers were unable to overcome the absence of Haliburton.
Oklahoma City’s victory capped an 84-win season across the regular season and playoffs, tying the 1996–97 Chicago Bulls for the third-most wins in a single NBA season. The Thunder became the seventh different NBA champion in as many years, a stretch that has underscored the league’s shifting balance of power.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault credited the team’s connection and focus throughout the season. The franchise is set to raise its first championship banner when the new NBA season begins in the fall.
The Pacers, who last reached the Finals in 2000, extended their championship drought. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the setback, noting how Haliburton’s injury changed the course of the game.
Oklahoma City now prepares for a championship parade and looks toward building on this title with a young roster and the leadership of General Manager Sam Presti.
