Thunder defeat Pacers in Game 7 to win 2025 NBA Finals, SGA claims MVP [VIDEO]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads The Oklahoma City Thunder To Their First Title in Epic Fashion

In a high-stakes Game 7 on June 22, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91. Led by a spectacular performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), who finished with 29 points and 12 assists, the Thunder controlled the second half and made NBA history.

Now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is being compared to the legends who helped shape the game. Many pundits have pointed out how SGA statistically outperformed Michael Jordan from his 1991 NBA Finals debut. In the time since the Thunder won the title, they’ve been everywhere. Not only did SGA win the title, he also won the Finals MVP. As a result, his legacy is being written in real time.

Haliburton’s Injury Changes the Game

The game took a dramatic turn early when Pacers’ star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a serious Achilles injury in the first quarter. The injury immediately disrupted Indiana’s offensive rhythm and shifted the momentum toward the Thunder. Despite the setback, the Pacers managed a 48-47 halftime lead, but their second-half collapse proved decisive.

Tyrese Haliburton already sustained an injury in Game 5. During that game, the Thunder won and took a 3-2 lead in the series. Despite the straight right calf injury in Game 5, Haliburton played in Game 6. There, the Pacers won their home game in Indianapolis. As a result, this set the stage for Game 7, where Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury that ended his historic playoff run.

Notably, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ran over to check on Haliburton. After all, he was guarding him on the play when he got hurt. Following the game, SGA sent his well-wishes to Haliburton.

Third Quarter Surge Defines Thunder’s Win

The third quarter proved pivotal. Oklahoma City outscored Indiana 34-20, transforming a one-point halftime deficit into a 13-point lead heading into the final frame. The Thunder’s aggressive defense forced 23 total turnovers, leading to 32 points off those mistakes. A key 13-minute stretch in the second half saw the Pacers go 0-for-9 from the field and commit eight turnovers, a run from which they never recovered.

Until the third quarter, Indiana played Oklahoma City closely. As a result, it looked as if the Pacers had a real chance to win the game. Of course, winning the game meant winning the championship. The Thunder lost their chance to win the title in six games, when they lost Game 6 to the Pacers in Indiana. So, when they saw weakness in the Pacers during the third quarter, the Thunder took their chance.

Oklahoma City’s domination of the third quarter set the stage for their fourth quarter dominance. In turn, that led to the Thunder’s championship.

SGA Earns Finals MVP Honors

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance earned him the 2025 NBA Finals MVP. His 29-point, 12-assist game placed him among the elite company of Jerry West, Walt Frazier, James Worthy, and LeBron James as one of the few players with 25+ points and 10+ assists in a Game 7.

Supporting him, Jalen Williams added 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Williams averaged 23.6 points per game in the series and delivered a standout 40-point Game 5. Chet Holmgren posted 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks on 6-of-8 shooting, proving dominant on both ends of the floor.

Pacers Bench Shines Amid Starter Struggles

Indiana’s bench was led by Bennedict Mathurin, who recorded 24 points and 13 rebounds, offering a spark in the absence of Haliburton. However, their starting lineup faltered. Obi Toppin was scoreless in 21 minutes. Myles Turner managed only 6 points, and Aaron Nesmith had 3 points before fouling out. Combined, these three players tallied just 9 points on 3-of-13 shooting.

Pascal Siakam received much attention and acclaim during the 2025 NBA Finals. As a result, this led to many of the analysts bringing up his heroics for the Toronto Raptors during the 2019 NBA Finals. Of course, the Raptors win that title over the Golden State Warriors. Siakam played well throughout the 2025 NBA Finals, averaging 19.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6 assists over the first six games. However, his shot did not fall in Game 7.

Stat Sheet Comparison

Despite shooting just 40.2% from the field and 27.5% from three, the Thunder’s defense carried them. They finished with 14 steals, 8 blocks, and won the turnover battle 23-7. The Pacers actually shot better (41.4% FG, 39.3% 3PT) and outrebounded OKC 45-40, but the sheer number of mistakes undid their efforts.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown:

The Thunder’s explosive third quarter broke the game wide open, giving them the breathing room they needed to close it out in the fourth.

Big Moments and Turning Points

Early in the game, Lu Dort drilled a deep three to energize the Thunder. Defensive stops and transition scoring spurred a nine-point swing early in the third. When T.J. McConnell sparked a brief Pacers run, OKC quickly responded, maintaining an 81-68 advantage by the end of the quarter.

Lu Dort also had a run during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals that kept the Thunder in the series. The Pacers dominated the first three games of this series. Throughout the first half of Game 4, it looked like Indiana would get another victory.

However, Lu Dort’s heroics changed that, giving the Thunder the space they needed to win. That win tied the series 2-2 and the Thunder would also win Game 5. As a result, they held a 3-2 series lead. During Game 7, Dort continued his three-point shooting. As a result, he led a turnaround that helped the Thunder win the title.

Historical Significance and The Thunder’s Future

This title marks the Thunder’s first championship since 1979, when they won as the Seattle SuperSonics. It’s also the first in Oklahoma City franchise history. The Thunder became the first team to suffer a 40+ point playoff loss and still win the championship, showcasing their resilience.

For the Pacers, it’s a heartbreaking end to what was arguably their best postseason run since joining the NBA. Despite three ABA titles, they’ve yet to claim an NBA championship.

With a young core of SGA, Holmgren, and Williams, plus 11 first-round draft picks in the next several years, OKC is primed to contend for years. Sportsbooks have already listed them as early favorites for the 2026 title. Additionally, SGA and Lu Dort became the 11th and 12th Canadians to win an NBA championship, extending a streak of four consecutive seasons with a Canadian title winner.