NBA Finals Game 7: The Thunder triumphed over the Pacers to secure the NBA championship, propelled by an outstanding performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander following Tyrese Haliburton's injury.

 This is major news from the NBA Finals! The Oklahoma City Thunder have indeed claimed the 2025 NBA Championship, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling Game 7 with a score of 103-91. This marks the first NBA title for the franchise since its move to Oklahoma City.

Here's a breakdown of the key elements you mentioned and more:

Oklahoma City Thunder: NBA Champions!

• First OKC Title: This championship is a historic moment for the Thunder franchise, finally securing an NBA title in the Oklahoma City era.
• Dominant Season: The Thunder capped off a phenomenal season where they posted a league-best 68 wins, showcasing their consistency and talent.
• Team Effort on Defense: While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way, the Thunder's trademark swarming defense was crucial, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. Players like Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, and Luguentz Dort contributed significantly with steals.
• Second Half Surge: After a tight first half where the Pacers held a one-point lead, the Thunder exploded in the third quarter with a 34-20 advantage, taking control of the game and setting the stage for their victory.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP Performance

• NBA Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, a well-deserved honor for his stellar performance throughout the series.
• Historic Double: In a truly remarkable season, Gilgeous-Alexander also won the regular season MVP award, becoming the first player since LeBron James (2012-13) to win both the regular season MVP and the Finals MVP in the same year. He also secured the Western Conference Finals MVP and the NBA scoring champion award.
• Game 7 Heroics: In the decisive Game 7, SGA delivered a commanding performance with 29 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds, ensuring the Thunder sealed the championship. He was Oklahoma City's primary offensive weapon, especially in the first half when other teammates struggled.

Tyrese Haliburton's Unfortunate Injury:

• Devastating Blow: The biggest storyline impacting the Pacers' chances was the early injury to their star guard, Tyrese Haliburton, in the first quarter of Game 7.
• Suspected Achilles Injury: While initially described as a "lower right leg injury," replays and early reports (including from his father to ABC) strongly suggest an Achilles tendon injury. This is a devastating blow and could sideline him for a significant part, if not all, of the upcoming 2025-26 season.
• Impact on Pacers: Haliburton was already playing with a strained right calf, which had flared up in Game 5. His absence was keenly felt by the Pacers, who, despite their resilient playoff run and ability to rally, couldn't overcome the loss of their offensive engine and playmaker in the crucial final game. His father was seen in tears after the injury, highlighting the emotional toll.
• Pacers' Resilience: Despite the heartbreak of losing their star, the Pacers showed resilience, keeping the game close in the first half. However, without Haliburton's firepower, they couldn't sustain their efforts against the surging Thunder.

This NBA Finals Game 7 was a testament to the Oklahoma City Thunder's exceptional season and the emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a true superstar. It also left a somber note with Tyrese Haliburton's potentially season-ending injury, a tough end to an otherwise remarkable playoff run for the Indiana Pacers.