Thunder claim first NBA title in Oklahoma City era with game 7 victory over Pacers

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s youth was on full display — both on the court and in their postgame celebration — after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103–91 in Game 7 on Sunday night to secure their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008.

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein admitted that the team’s inexperience extended beyond the game. “No one knew how to open the champagne bottles,” he said. Fortunately, 31-year-old veteran Alex Caruso, the only Thunder player with a previous NBA title, stepped in. “AC gave us a tutorial,” Hartenstein added with a laugh.

This marks the franchise’s first title since winning it all in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.

While youth brought occasional inconsistency — even during the title-clinching game — Oklahoma City leaned on its relentless defense and clutch performances from its star duo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Gilgeous-Alexander, the regular season MVP and now Finals MVP, delivered 29 points and 12 assists with just one turnover. Williams contributed 20 points and played a crucial role in the game’s defining moment.

Late in the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander spun into the lane to draw defenders before kicking the ball out to Williams, who knocked down a high-bouncing corner three that capped a trio of consecutive Thunder 3-pointers — the others by Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren — and pushed the lead to nine. The crowd erupted as the Thunder seized control.

Oklahoma City closed the third on a 25–12 run, outscoring Indiana 34–20 in the period without committing a single turnover. Williams scored nine of his points during that stretch.

“We just needed to be ourselves,” head coach Mark Daigneault said after the game. “That’s what got us here.”

The Thunder forced eight Indiana turnovers in the third alone, converting them into 18 points, and dominated the turnover battle 23–8 overall.

“The difference was executing coverages and winning closeouts,” said Caruso, who tallied three steals along with two other Thunder players.

For Indiana, the loss continued a title drought that dates back to the franchise’s founding. The Pacers were dealt a crushing blow early when star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who had scored nine quick points on three 3-pointers, collapsed with a non-contact injury to his right leg just minutes into the first quarter. He did not return, and the ABC broadcast later reported he had suffered a torn Achilles.

As Haliburton went down, the Thunder quickly capitalized — Caruso recovered the loose ball, found Gilgeous-Alexander, who then hit a streaking Williams for a fast-break dunk. Haliburton was helped off the court, unable to put weight on his leg, after playing through a calf strain in Game 5.

“What happened with Tyrese…” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said, pausing. “Our hearts dropped. He’ll be back. I don’t have a medical update, but he’ll return in time.”

Despite Haliburton’s absence, Indiana stayed competitive. They led by one at halftime and tied the game at 56 midway through the third, thanks largely to T.J. McConnell, who scored 12 of his 16 points in that quarter. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 24 points off the bench, while Pascal Siakam also added 16.

But the Thunder proved too much. Their 100-plus point performance was the first in an NBA Finals Game 7 since the Lakers’ 108–105 win over the Pistons in 1988.

Caruso, who previously won a championship with the 2020 Lakers, said he’s hoping this is just the beginning.

“We’ll get some rest,” Caruso said with a grin. “And next year, we’ll be better at celebrating.”