Thunder strike: Oklahoma City claims 2025 NBA Championship in thrilling Game 7 victory over Pacers

The Paycom Center erupted in a cacophony of cheers and confetti on Monday, June 23, 2025 (PST) as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in a fiercely contested Game 7 to claim the 2025 NBA Championship. 

This historic win marks the franchise’s first title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008, culminating a season that saw the Thunder post an NBA-best 68 wins and defy all expectations.

The climactic game, which saw the series tied 3-3 after a back-and-forth battle, lived up to its billing as a winner-take-all showdown. The atmosphere was electric from tip-off, with both teams trading blows in a tightly contested first half. 

However, the Thunder, fueled by an MVP performance from their young superstar, asserted their dominance in the second half, pulling away to secure the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly crowned league MVP, delivered a performance for the ages, carrying the Thunder offense with 29 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. His relentless attack and clutch play were instrumental in overcoming a resilient Pacers squad that fought valiantly despite facing adversity.

YOUR 2025 @NBA CHAMPIONS 🏆#ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/e1PghAzHG9

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 23, 2025

The Pacers, who had battled back from a 3-2 deficit to force Game 7 with a convincing Game 6 victory, faced a significant challenge early on when star guard Tyrese Haliburton exited the game in the first quarter with a lower-leg injury. 

While the team showed incredible resolve in his absence, particularly with the bench unit contributing significantly in Game 6, the loss of their floor general proved to be an insurmountable hurdle in the decisive contest.

This 2025 NBA Finals series will be remembered as a classic, showcasing two emerging franchises built through shrewd drafting and patient development. The Thunder’s youthful core, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, demonstrated remarkable maturity and poise under pressure, proving that their regular-season success was no fluke. 

For the Pacers, who had an impressive run as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, this deep Finals appearance signals a bright future, even as they taste the bitter pill of defeat.

As the confetti settles and the celebrations begin in Oklahoma City, the NBA world looks forward to what promises to be an exciting new era. The 2025 NBA Finals Game 7 served as a thrilling conclusion to a remarkable season, solidifying the Oklahoma City Thunder’s place in history as NBA champions.

Key Stats:

• Most Points: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (29 in 40 minutes) 
• Most Assists: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (12 in 40 minutes) 
• Most Rebounds: Benedict Mathurin (13 in 40 minutes)

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