Sarah Liese

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KOSU

As the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers met Sunday night for a deciding Game 7 of the NBA Finals, one thing was for certain: the winner would capture their franchise’s first NBA title.

The Thunder last appeared in the NBA Finals in 2012, featuring young stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. They lost to the LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat in just five games.

It had been even longer for the Pacers, whose 2000 team, led by Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose, lost in six games to Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, it would be the Thunder who would claim the 2024-25 NBA championship, beating the Pacers in a deciding Game 7 by a score of 103-91.

OKC was led in Game 7 by what got them there: their star players and a tenacious team defense.

On defense, they forced 23 turnovers and converted those into 32 points. Chet Holmgren was a force around the rim and had five blocks, while Lu Dort, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace each had three steals apiece.

On the offensive side of the ball, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team to victory, with 29 points and 12 assists. He became the first player in 25 years — since the Lakers’ O’Neal in 2000 — to win the regular season MVP, the scoring title and the Finals MVP.

“This isn’t just a win for me,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “This is a win for my family, it’s a win for my friends, this is a win for everybody that was in my corner growing up, this is a win for the fans – the best fans in the world. Love you guys!”

Thunder fans celebrate Oklahoma City's first-ever major professional sports league title

Thunder fans across the state held watch parties for Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Jalen Williams followed SGA with 20 points, with 15 of those coming in the second half. Holmgren added 18 points.

The game was overshadowed by an apparent Achilles injury to Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton in the first quarter. Despite the loss of their star player, the Pacers kept the game close and led at halftime by a score of 48-47.

But the Thunder had an explosive third quarter, outscoring the Pacers by 14 points, and maintained that lead down the stretch.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti praised the team — the league’s youngest — in a post-game interview.

“Oklahoma has a true team and not just a winner,” said Presti. “These guys represent all that is good. At a young age, they prioritize winning. They prioritize sacrifice. This just kind of unfolded very quickly.”

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault also spoke highly of his squad.

"They behave like champions. They compete like champions. They root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional sports," said Daigneault. "I’ve said it many times, and I’m going to say it one more time: This is an uncommon team, and now they’re champions."

Daigneault started his coaching career in 2014, leading the Thunder's G-League team, the Oklahoma City Blue. He referenced his own journey as well as those who went undrafted out of college like Caruso and Dort.

“This was a dream for everybody here at one point in our lives, There was one point where we didn’t know if we were going to be in the NBA - from players to staff to coaches. It’s a privilege. We’re incredibly grateful for it.”

Championship parade coming Tuesday

The city will have plenty to celebrate this week. OKC Mayor David Holt took to social media to invite residents and Thunder fans to a championship parade on Tuesday.

“The day of the parade will forever live in the annals of our city’s history,” Mayor David Holt said in a statement. “It is a celebration of our team’s historic accomplishment and our city’s renaissance. All Thunder fans from across the city, state and world are invited.”

Oklahoma City officials announced the parade will start at 10:30 am Tuesday, with a route that starts at the intersection of 10th Street and Harvey Avenue and snakes through downtown to Scissortail Park.

The city anticipates 500,000 people or more at the event. Attendees should prepare for big crowds, long walks and hot conditions.

“We encourage parade attendees to make a plan for the day,” City Manager Craig Freeman said in a statement. “Have at least one or two backup options for parking and arriving safely at the event. You may need to walk long distances to and from the parade route.”