The Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers showdown in the 2025 NBA Finals was nothing short of cinematic. With the series tied 3-3, the drama reached its zenith in Game 7, where the Thunder prevailed 103–91 on home turf, earning the franchise’s first championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
And yes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) was the headline act—again.
SGA: MVP ×2, Scoring Title, and NBA Immortality
The man, the myth, the new king of Oklahoma—SGA dropped 29 points, dished a career-high 12 assists, and added 5 rebounds and 2 blocks with only one turnover. This performance earned him Finals MVP, complementing his regular-season MVP and scoring title.
Only LeBron James (2013), and now SGA, have pulled off that MVP-Finals MVP double since 2010. And SGA joins an even rarer club—just the fourth player ever to win the scoring title, MVP, and Finals MVP in the same season.
Yes, the guy just threw his name into NBA lore.
Pacers: The Team That Broke Brackets and Won Hearts
Let’s be honest: no one picked the Pacers to make it this far. But here they were—pushing the best team in the league to the brink.
Even in defeat, Indiana Pacers showcased a throwback brand of selfless, ball-sharing basketball. With Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and a breakout series from T.J. McConnell, the Pacers had eight players averaging double figures in the Finals. If that’s not “team-first,” we don’t know what is.
But tragedy struck in Game 7: Haliburton’s injury early on shifted the game’s momentum. Tears flowed, not just from the player, but from fans who saw a dream crumble inches from the finish line.
Thunder Strike Amid Parity: A New NBA Era
With OKC’s win, the NBA now celebrates seven straight seasons with different champions—a first in league history.
Since the 2018 Warriors’ repeat, we’ve seen titles go to the Raptors, Lakers, Bucks, Warriors (again), Nuggets, Celtics, and now, the Thunder.
It’s a basketball democracy. No dynasties. No monopolies. Just brutal competition. Every team has a shot—and sportsbooks like 188bet are adjusting their odds accordingly.
Shades of the Spurs: Pacers’ System > Stars?
This Pacers squad? They felt like the 2014 Spurs. No MVP-level alpha. But everyone knew their role. Everyone could kill you.
From Andrew Nembhard’s clutch plays to Obi Toppin’s hustle, the team played symphonic basketball. Head coach Rick Carlisle deserves credit for molding a unit where anyone could be the hero.
But unlike the Spurs, Indiana lacked the championship pedigree—or the Tim Duncan factor.
Grit, Glory, and What Could’ve Been
Yes, Game 4’s controversial officiating was frustrating. And yes, Haliburton’s injury dampens OKC’s win slightly. But as seasoned fans know: health is part of the game.
The Thunder earned this. The Pacers earned our respect.
In a season that gave us history, heartbreak, and highlight reels, this clash between Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers will be remembered not just for who won—but for how both fought.
FAQ: People Also Ask
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 to win the 2025 NBA Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won Finals MVP after a stellar Game 7 and dominant overall series.
No. Despite multiple deep playoff runs, the Indiana Pacers have yet to win their first NBA title.
It’s their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008 and comes during an era of extreme league parity.
Haliburton was injured during Game 7, significantly impacting the Pacers’ performance and ending his spectacular postseason run.
With seven straight unique champions, betting sites like 188bet now offer tight futures odds across nearly all playoff contenders.
Final Buzzer: Respect Earned, Records Broken
The 2025 NBA Finals were a showcase of grit, resilience, and generational talent.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are champs. SGA is a superstar. And the Indiana Pacers? They proved that heart can take you further than hype.
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Raj Malhotra