The 2025 NBA Finals concluded with a heart-pounding Game 7 on June 22, 2025, as the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched their first championship since relocating from Seattle, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 at Paycom Center. The series, a showcase of resilience and star power, saw the Thunder overcome a resilient Pacers squad that forced a decisive game with a dominant Game 6 victory. Here’s a deep dive into the Finals, highlighting key moments, standout performances, and the Pacers’ valiant run.
Series Overview
The Thunder, the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed with a 68-14 regular-season record, faced the No. 4-seeded Pacers (50-32) in a seven-game battle. The Pacers, making their first Finals appearance since 2000, pushed OKC to the brink, forcing Game 7 after a 108-91 rout in Game 6. Despite Indiana’s depth and comeback spirit, the Thunder’s balanced attack and defensive prowess, led by Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sealed the title.
Game 6: Pacers Force Game 7
On June 19, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers delivered their most lopsided win of the series, 108-91, tying the series 3-3. Obi Toppin led with 20 points off the bench, while Pascal Siakam added 16 points and 13 rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton, despite a strained right calf, contributed 14 points and 5 assists in 23 minutes. Indiana’s bench outscored OKC’s 48-37, and their defense forced 21 Thunder turnovers, leading to a 31-point lead at its peak. The Pacers’ 62-35 scoring edge in the middle quarters showcased their depth, setting the stage for a winner-take-all showdown (ESPN, June 19, 2025).
Game 7: Thunder’s Triumph
In Oklahoma City, the Thunder dominated Game 7, leveraging a 34-20 third-quarter surge to pull away. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 29 points and 12 assists earned him Finals MVP honors, while OKC’s defense forced 23 Pacers turnovers, resulting in 32 points. A devastating blow for Indiana came early when Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury in the first quarter, exiting after 7 minutes with 9 points. His father confirmed the injury to ESPN, casting uncertainty over his 2025-26 season. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 24 points off the bench, and T.J. McConnell added 16 points, but Indiana couldn’t recover from Haliburton’s absence and OKC’s defensive pressure. The Thunder became the second-youngest team to win an NBA title, behind the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers (NBA.com, June 22, 2025).
Key Performances
- Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Averaged 26.4 points and 8.3 assists in the series, with a series-high 8 turnovers in Game 6 but a masterful Game 7 (Basketball-Reference).
- Team Stats: OKC shot 45.2% from the field and 34.1% from three in Game 7, outrebounding Indiana 44-41 and dominating points off turnovers (NBA.com).
- Indiana Pacers:
- Pascal Siakam: A double-double machine, with 16 points and 13 rebounds in Game 6 and 19 points and 10 rebounds in Game 1. Named Eastern Conference Finals MVP (ESPN).
- Bennedict Mathurin: Emerged as a key scorer, with 24 points in Game 7 and consistent bench production.
- Tyrese Haliburton: Despite injuries, averaged 15.2 points and 6.1 assists before his Game 7 exit (Basketball-Reference).
- Team Stats: Indiana shot 35.7% from three in Game 6 but struggled in Game 7 (41.8% FG, 23 turnovers).
Pacers’ Journey
The Pacers’ Finals run was historic, marked by five comeback wins from deficits of 15+ points in the playoffs. They defeated the New York Knicks in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Siakam and Haliburton leading a balanced attack. Indiana’s depth shone, with eight players scoring in double figures in their Game 6 win over the Knicks. Despite falling short, the Pacers’ 2025 campaign cemented their status as a rising force in the East (Indystar.com, June 23, 2025).
Thunder’s Historic Win
OKC’s title capped a 16-7 playoff run and a 68-win regular season, the best in franchise history. Their youth, led by Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, combined with veteran poise, made them a formidable champion. The Thunder’s Game 7 victory marked their first championship since 1979 (as the Seattle SuperSonics) and their first in Oklahoma City (CBSSports.com, June 22, 2025).
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Finals showcased the NBA’s bright future, with two young, dynamic teams battling to the end. The Pacers’ resilience and OKC’s brilliance made for an unforgettable series, though Haliburton’s injury leaves Indiana with questions heading into next season. Congrats to the Thunder on a well-earned championship, and kudos to the Pacers for a remarkable run! #NBAFinals #ThunderUp #PacersPride
References:
- ESPN, “Pacers rout Thunder 108-91 in Game 6 to force Game 7,” June 19, 2025.
- NBA.com, “Thunder win 2025 NBA Finals with 103-91 Game 7 victory,” June 22, 2025.
- Basketball-Reference, 2025 NBA Finals player and team statistics.
- Indystar.com, “Pacers’ historic 2025 playoff run ends in Game 7 loss,” June 23, 2025.
- CBSSports.com, “Oklahoma City Thunder claim first title in franchise history,” June 22, 2025.