Oklahoma City Thunder Clinch First NBA Title Since Relocation
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exited the court, collapsing into coach Mark Daigneault's embrace, a smile breaking through the tension of the moment.
The journey culminated here. The Oklahoma City Thunder, after years of rebuilding, are now champions of the NBA.
In a decisive Game 7, the Thunder triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a score of 103-91, marking a historic victory for Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander capped off his MVP season with an impressive 29 points and 12 assists, leading his team to their first title since relocating from Seattle.
"It doesn't feel real," Gilgeous-Alexander reflected, named Finals MVP. "So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. It's crazy to know that we're all here, but this group worked for it. We deserve this."
Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 20 points, while Chet Holmgren added 18. The Thunder's remarkable season saw them win a total of 84 games across both regular and playoff matches, tying them with the legendary 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for the third-most wins in a single season.
Only the Golden State Warriors (88 wins in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 wins in 2015-16) have recorded more victories in a season.
This championship marks the franchise's second title; the Seattle SuperSonics claimed their first in 1979 before the team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. A championship banner will finally adorn the rafters this October.
"They behave like champions. They compete like champions," Daigneault praised his team. "They root for each other's success, which is rare in professional sports. They are an uncommon team and now they're champions."
Despite losing star player Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles injury early in the game, the Pacers led 48-47 at halftime. However, they faltered in the third quarter, allowing the Thunder to surge ahead with a 34-20 scoring run.
"Deflated, but proud of everything we've accomplished," said Pacers guard TJ McConnell.
Bennedict Mathurin led Indiana with 24 points and 13 rebounds, as the Pacers continue their quest for their first NBA title. After a rocky start to the season at 10-15, they aimed to become the first team to win a championship after such a poor beginning but fell short despite leading the series at points.
Home teams now hold a record of 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s. The Thunder's victory also highlights a trend of parity in the league, as they become the seventh different champion in as many seasons.
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was part of Toronto's championship team in 2019, while Thunder guard Alex Caruso won with the Lakers during the pandemic bubble in 2020. Milwaukee claimed victory in 2021, followed by Golden State in 2022, Denver in 2023, and Boston last year.
Now, it is Oklahoma City's moment. The youngest team to win a title in nearly fifty years has reached the pinnacle of NBA success.
The Thunder join an elite group as the ninth franchise to secure a title during Adam Silver's twelve-year tenure as commissioner, compared to eight franchises under his predecessor David Stern's thirty years.
"It really hurts on one hand," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed. "On the other hand, this team has given all of Pacer Nation something to be very proud of."
