Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court with a smile, collapsing into the arms of his coach, Mark Daigneault. The Oklahoma City Thunder had just finished their season as champions, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. This victory is especially sweet as it brings the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time, completing a remarkable journey for the team.
The Thunder were dominant throughout the season and proved it once more in the NBA Finals. They secured their championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7. Gilgeous-Alexander capped off an impressive season by scoring 29 points and dishing out 12 assists, earning himself the Finals MVP award. He reflected on the achievement, saying, “It doesn’t feel real. So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. This group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this.”
The Thunder’s victory is a historic one. They tied the record for the third-most wins in a season with 84, matching the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls. Only the Golden State Warriors and the Bulls themselves had more wins in a single season. Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams contributed 20 points and Chet Holmgren added 18 points, showcasing the depth of talent on the team.
The Pacers had their own challenges, losing star player Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury early in the game. Despite a strong start, leading 48-47 at halftime, they struggled in the second half, getting outscored 34-20 in the third quarter. Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to secure their first championship.
This win marks the second title for the franchise, which originally won as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. Since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008, the team has worked hard to rebuild and reach this pinnacle. A championship banner will finally hang in the rafters of their arena this October, celebrating this long-awaited achievement.
The Thunder’s journey to the championship highlights their resilience and teamwork. Coach Daigneault praised his players, saying, “They behave like champions. They compete like champions. They root for each other’s success.” This victory not only adds to the Thunder’s legacy but also reflects a broader trend in the NBA, where seven different teams have won championships in the last seven seasons, showcasing the league’s competitive balance.
As the Thunder celebrate their historic win, they look forward to the future, eager to build on this success and continue their journey as champions.