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Victor Petkov
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Thunder clinch first NBA title in OKC era as Gilgeous-Alexander writes history
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OKC defeated Pacers in Game 7 as Indiana star man Tyrese Haliburton left the court injured early in the first quarter

The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a historic season with a commanding 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, clinching the franchise’s first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s MVP, delivered another inspired performance with 29 points and 12 assists in front of a jubilant home crowd at Paycom Center. His efforts earned him the Finals MVP award, making him the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2002 to win the scoring title, regular season MVP, and Finals MVP in the same year.

The Pacers’ title hopes took a devastating blow early when Tyrese Haliburton exited the game midway through the first quarter after suffering a suspected Achilles injury. Haliburton had already nailed three three-pointers in the opening minutes but collapsed awkwardly without contact, visibly emotional as he was assisted off the court. He did not return, and a TV broadcast later reported the injury as Achilles-related, though there was no immediate official confirmation.

Despite the setback, Indiana battled bravely and held a one-point lead at halftime, thanks to an aggressive defensive showing. But the Thunder, galvanized by their home fans and their MVP leader, took control after the break. Gilgeous-Alexander, who had missed all five of his first-half three-point attempts, ignited a surge with a deep three-pointer early in the third quarter.

Oklahoma City opened the fourth with a 9-0 run, effectively ending any hopes of another dramatic Indiana comeback—something the Pacers had become known for throughout the playoffs.

The win capped a remarkable campaign for the Thunder, who finished the regular season with a 68-14 record, the fifth-most wins in NBA history. Their title run signals the arrival of a new powerhouse in the league, built around a core of young talent and headlined by the brilliance of Gilgeous-Alexander.