The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, capping off an unforgettable season with a championship victory that will be remembered for years. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Thunder triumphed over the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in a tense, winner-take-all showdown, securing their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. This win brings the Larry O’Brien Trophy to Oklahoma City for the first time, marking a new era for the franchise and its passionate fanbase.
From the opening tip, the energy in the arena was electric. The Thunder, known for their league-best defense, set the tone early, holding the Pacers scoreless for the first four and a half minutes of the final quarter. The Pacers, despite being undermanned after losing star point guard Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles injury early in the game, fought valiantly. Haliburton, visibly distressed, was assisted off the court, leaving a significant void in Indiana’s lineup. His absence proved pivotal as the Thunder capitalized on 23 Pacers turnovers, converting them into 32 crucial points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s superstar and regular-season MVP, delivered a masterclass performance. He finished Game 7 with 29 points and 12 assists, leading all scorers and earning Finals MVP honors. Gilgeous-Alexander became just the fourth player in NBA history to win the MVP, the scoring title, and the Finals in the same season, joining legends like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal. His clutch play and leadership were instrumental in Oklahoma City’s victory.
Table of Contents
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. The Pacers, despite being short-handed, managed to hold a one-point lead at halftime, thanks to gritty defense and timely shooting. However, the Thunder’s depth and defensive intensity took over in the second half. Oklahoma City outscored the Pacers 56-43 after the break, with Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrating the offense and the team’s role players stepping up when it mattered most.
Indiana’s resilience was on full display as they cut a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to just 10 with two and a half minutes remaining. But without Haliburton’s late-game heroics, the comeback fell short. The Pacers’ journey to the Finals was nothing short of remarkable, overcoming the odds as the Eastern Conference’s fourth seed and upsetting higher-ranked teams throughout the playoffs. Yet, facing a Thunder squad that had dominated the regular season with 68 wins, the challenge proved too steep in the end.
The Thunder’s championship run was defined by their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. After a tough loss in Game 6, where the Pacers forced 21 turnovers and won by 17 points, Oklahoma City regrouped and delivered a near-flawless performance in the decisive Game 7. Their defense, which had been the backbone of their success all season, stifled Indiana’s offense in the final quarter, sealing the victory.
What This Championship Means for the Thunder and the NBA
Winning the NBA Finals is a monumental achievement for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since moving from Seattle in 2008, the franchise has built a reputation for drafting and developing young talent, and this championship validates that approach. Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to superstardom, combined with the contributions of a deep and versatile roster, has set a new standard for the team.
For the Pacers, the loss is heartbreaking but not without silver linings. Tyrese Haliburton, at just 25 years old, emerged as a bona fide star during the playoffs, leading Indiana to multiple clutch victories and earning the respect of fans and analysts alike. The Pacers’ unexpected run to the Finals has reenergized their fanbase and established them as a team to watch in future seasons.
The 2025 NBA Finals will be remembered as one of the most competitive in recent memory. For the first time since 2016, the championship was decided in a Game 7, with both teams pushing each other to the limit. The Thunder’s victory also makes them the seventh different team to win the title in the last seven years, highlighting the league’s parity and unpredictability.
Key Point Summary
- Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points and 12 assists, earning Finals MVP.
- Tyrese Haliburton exited early with an Achilles injury, leaving the Pacers short-handed.
- Thunder capitalized on 23 Pacers turnovers, converting them into 32 points.
- This is the Thunder’s first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
- The Pacers, despite the loss, had a historic playoff run as the Eastern Conference’s fourth seed.
- The 2025 NBA Finals marked the first Game 7 since 2016.
- Oklahoma City’s defense was the difference-maker in the decisive fourth quarter.
Looking Ahead
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, but the story doesn’t end here. For the Thunder, the challenge now is to build on this success and establish a dynasty. For the Pacers, the focus shifts to supporting Haliburton’s recovery and continuing to develop their young core. Fans of both teams can look forward to more thrilling matchups in the years to come.
Celebrate this historic moment with your fellow basketball fans—join the conversation on social media and share your favorite memories from the 2025 NBA Finals.