The youngest team in the league is now its newest champion.
The Oklahoma City Thunder captured their first NBA title in franchise history with a 103–91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Loud and emotional, the win electrified the Paycom Center and delivered some long-awaited glory to the city of Oklahoma.
The night didn’t start smoothly. Just 4:55 into the first quarter, Indiana’s All-Star Tyrese Haliburton collapsed in pain, clutching his Achilles and leaving the game in tears. It was a shocking twist after his hot start — three quick three-pointers — and it threw the Pacers’ game plan into chaos. Yet Indiana didn’t fold. They led 48–47 at halftime, determined to keep the fight alive.
But the Thunder stayed composed, took over in the third quarter, and never looked back.
“We’re part of history now. That’s what we wanted — for people to remember us forever,” said Luguentz Dort, whose grit and defense defined the Thunder’s identity. “We worked hard all year to prove we were the best team in the league. Tonight, we sealed it.”
SGA Dominates on Every Level
Already the league MVP and scoring champion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added one more jewel to his historic season: Finals MVP.
SGA is only the 4th NBA player to sweep regular season and finals MVP plus scoring title. With 29 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds in the clincher, SGA became the first player in 25 years to win all three major individual trophies in the same year: an honor previously achieved only by icons like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Alongside Jalen Williams, the two formed one of the most dominant duos in recent Finals memory.
“I can’t really do interviews right now,” Jalen said with a grin. “This is just so cool. I love the NBA.”
Built Not Bought: The Thunder Blueprint
With an average age of just 25.68, OKC is now the second-youngest team to ever win an NBA title. Their 84 combined wins this season (regular season + playoffs) put them in legendary company, matching the best totals of the Jordan-era Bulls.
No last-minute superstars. No shortcuts. Just a team built from within, player by player, year after year.
“They behave like champions,” said head coach Mark Daigneault. “They celebrate each other’s success — and that’s rare.”
As Jaylin Williams put it: “We’re the best in the world, man. It took everyone: The roster, the staff, the building, the whole state. Even the guys who didn’t play, the guys injured. We don’t win without all of them. And this? This is forever.”
A French-Senegalese Champion
This victory also shines across borders — especially in France and Senegal, as Ousmane Dieng, the 22-year-old forward born in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, became the fifth French player to win an NBA title, after Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Ronny Turiaf, and Ian Mahinmi.
Son of a Senegalese father, Dieng wasn’t a central figure in the Finals but was a consistent presence throughout the season. His championship serves as a powerful symbol for the Senegalese and French diasporas.
“It’s incredible. I’m not sure it’s sunk in yet,” he said. “It’s a dream come true.”
Joy, Relief… and Calm
Despite the historic nature of the moment, the Thunder’s postgame celebration was surprisingly low-key. Champagne was popped, but few bottles were emptied. No cigars. Most players quickly returned to the court, now covered in blue and white confetti.
“I’m just grateful. So, so grateful to be part of this organization,” said Kenrich Williams, holding back tears. “I can’t even explain how I feel.”
Isaiah Hartenstein was more direct: “Champion! For life! German Champ”
Oklahoma City didn’t just win a title — they announced the beginning of a new era.
