The Oklahoma City Thunder claimed their first NBA championship in stunning fashion, emerging victorious in a thrilling series that captured the hearts of basketball fans worldwide.
Oklahoma City’s explosive backcourt, tenacious defense and timely big‑man contributions proved decisive as they sealed the title and wrote their name in NBA history.
The season has just ended and it’s already time to look ahead to the next one. According to the latest odds, the Thunder are the favorites to win again next season, thanks to their young talents and game-changing players like the 2025 season MVP, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander.
Oklahoma City Thunders’ Path to Glory
In the 79th edition of the NBA championship, the Oklahoma City Thunder capitalized on a dominant regular season (68 wins, 14 losses, the best record overall and the top seed in the playoffs) and sealed their title in a hard-fought Game 7, the first Finals to go the distance in nine years.
Their victory came thanks to suffocating defense, relentless hustle in forcing turnovers – a crucial factor that helped offset some shooting struggles – and the brilliance of their star trio: Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (29 points), Jalen Williams (20), and Chet Holmgren (18).
Gilgeous-Alexander, already named the regular-season MVP, was also crowned Finals MVP, becoming the first player to achieve both honors in the same season since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. He delivered a legendary performance in Game 7: 29 points and 12 assists, securing Thunder’s first NBA Championship title and going from regular‑season MVP to Finals MVP, an accomplishment last seen with LeBron in 2013.
Best Performers and Key Contributors in the NBA Finals
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander
Aside from the amazing performance shown in Game 7, Shai made an historic achievement: only the fourth player ever to win scoring title, regular-season MVP, and Finals MVP all in one season, joining Shaq, Jordan, and Kareem. Throughout the Finals, Shai showcased clutch dominance: 38 points in his debut, a vintage 35-point surge in Game 4m, solidifying his status among the game’s elite.
Jalen Williams
Emerged as a vital secondary scorer: posted 40 points in Game 5, becoming one of the youngest in history to hit the 40-point mark in a Finals game. Provided steady contributions throughout the series, including 20 points in the decisive Game 7
Chet Holmgren
Recorded 18 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks in Game 7, anchoring Thunder defense.
Indiana’s NBA Journey and Haliburton’s Rising Star
Indiana Pacers displayed brilliance earlier in the series, leading the Pacers with 21 PPG and nearly 10 APG during the playoffs. In Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Indiana’s hopes took a devastating blow, both technically and emotionally, with the early loss of its star Tyrese Haliburton.
Indeed, after a strong start, knocking down three three-pointers for 9 quick points, Haliburton collapsed after 7 minutes; he clutched his right calf, screamed in pain and left the court in tears. He did not return and the injury appears to be a serious Achilles tendon issue. Despite a valiant effort, the Pacers couldn’t overcome his absence.
The Winning Formula
Two key themes defined the Thunder’s victory of the Larry O’Brien Trophy. First, their offensive balance and firepower: opposing defenses were stretched by the scoring versatility of the guard‑forward duo, who could both shoot and attack the rim.
Second, their defensive resilience and depth, anchored by elite rim protection and a capacity to withstand runs. This blend of aggressiveness and discipline allowed Oklahoma City to weather challenges and control game flow.
In sum, the Thunder’s electrifying June performances and well‑balanced roster powered them to NBA glory. Their ability to dominate both ends of the floor, execute under pressure, and elevate unselfishly when it mattered most makes this title not just a milestone moment, but the start of a new basketball era for Oklahoma City.
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Author: Vittorio Tonacci
June 30, 2025 | 6:00 am
