NBA news: Oklahoma City Thunder crowned 2025 champions after beating Indiana Pacers in Game 7
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been crowned 2025 NBA champions after a commanding 103-91 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals at a roaring Paycom Center.
It marks the franchise’s long-awaited first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008 and only its second title overall after the Seattle SuperSonics’ victory in 1979.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce looks back on OKC’s dominant season and considers what comes next.
Dominant season for Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a star-making turn throughout the campaign, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game during the regular season before notching 29 points plus 12 assists in Game 7 of the Finals.
As a reward for his troubles, SGA was named the regular-season MVP as well as the Finals MVP.
Ultimately, OKC racked up an astounding 68-14 regular-season record – tied for fifth-best in NBA history and more than enough to secure home-court advantage in the play-offs.
They also led the league in point differential (+12.9) and set franchise marks in double-digit wins (54) and victories decided by 10+ points (54).
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OKC’s historic play-off journey
First round vs Memphis Grizzlies: A dominant 4-0 series sweep that included a record-setting 51-point Game 1 blowout.
Second round vs Denver Nuggets: A gritty seven-game series that showcased Oklahoma’s resilience after tough losses and was won with a 32-point smash in Game 7.
Western Conference Finals vs Minnesota Timberwolves: A 4-1 series victory capped by a 124-94 Game 5 win that was secured thanks to SGA’s remarkable haul of 34 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.
NBA Finals vs Indiana Pacers: A back-and-forth series that culminated in a clinical Game 7 triumph, with OKC’s youthful energy shining throughout.
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Heroes of the moment
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: SGA is the first double-MVP winner – for both regular season and Finals – since the legendary Shaquille O’Neal in 2002.
Supporting cast: Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein – not to mention additions like Alex Caruso – all provided the necessary depth, defence, and energy to support SGA.
Mark Daigneault: OKC’s young head coach maintained discipline, adaptability, and calm throughout and was deservedly named NBA Coach of the Year for 2024/25.
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Title significance for Oklahoma
Ending a 17-year Oklahoma City drought: This triumph is the franchise’s first championship since it moved from Seattle in 2008 and its first overall since 1979.
Youth-driven dynasty in the making: With an average age of just 25.6, OKC are amongst the youngest champions ever, and many consider them a potential dynasty in the making thanks to their talent, cohesion, and culture.
Blueprint fulfillment: From draft picks and player development to front office and coaching, Sam Presti’s work since 2019 is finally fully realised, and with SGA entering his prime, a promising supporting cast, and savvy leadership from Daigneault, the Thunder appear capable of defending their crown.
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Exciting new era dawns
From a devastating collapse in the post-SuperSonics era to soaring high as NBA champions in 2025, the Thunder have authored one of the most compelling phoenix stories in modern sports.
Led by a transcendent MVP season from SGA, anchored by both youth and unity, and steered by sharp leadership, OKC’s dramatic triumph marks a defining moment not just for the franchise and its city, but for the entire league.
In the end, the 2025 NBA champions might have done more than just win the title – they may have signalled the beginning of an exciting new era in basketball.
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