Who Won the NBA Finals 2025? A Deep Dive into the Thunder’s Triumph
Introduction
The 2025 NBA Finals delivered some of the most gripping basketball action in recent memory. It pitted the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder against the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers in a series that lived up to every ounce of pre-playoff hype. After seven thrilling games, the Thunder emerged victorious, claiming their first-ever NBA Championship since the franchise’s relocation to Oklahoma City. This blog post offers a comprehensive, 1000-word analysis of the Finals outcome, key moments, standout performances, and long-term impact, complemented with structured tables and lists for clarity.
The Road to Game 7
The series was a roller coaster:
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The Pacers shocked the world with a Game 1 buzzer-beater by Tyrese Haliburton, forging a 111–110 victory
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Oklahoma City roared back to win Games 2 and 3, asserting dominance at home.
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The series swung back and forth, culminating in pivotal victories for both teams, including a spirited Pacers win in Game 6 to force a decider.
That set the stage for a dramatic Game 7 on June 22 in Oklahoma City.
Game 7 – Thunder’s Moment of Glory
In the final showdown, the Thunder controlled game narrative. They built on balanced offensive contributions and defensive pressure, securing a decisive 103–91 victory
Standout Performances:
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Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (SGA) led the charge with a 29-point, 12-assist performance, earning Finals MVP honors
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Jalen Williams continued his postseason surge, marking his presence with clutch plays and impressive stats
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Defensive efforts forced 23 turnovers by the Pacers, leading to a 32-point differential advantage
2025 NBA Finals: Game-by-Game Breakdown
| Game | Date | Location | Winner & Score | Series Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jun 5 | Oklahoma City | Pacers 111–110 | Pacers 1–0 |
| 2 | Jun 8 | Oklahoma City | Thunder 123–107 | Tied 1–1 |
| 3 | Jun 11 | Indiana | Pacers 116–107 | Pacers 2–1 |
| 4 | Jun 13 | Indiana | Thunder 111–104 | Tied 2–2 |
| 5 | Jun 16 | Oklahoma City | Thunder 120–109 | Thunder 3–2 |
| 6 | Jun 19 | Indiana | Pacers 108–91 | Tied 3–3 |
| 7 | Jun 22 | Oklahoma City | Thunder 103–91 | Thunder 4–3 |
Key Takeaways & Series Highlights
The seven-game series featured unforgettable moments and shifting momentum:
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Haliburton’s Clutch Start: Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot in Game 1 highlighted the Pacers’ resilience
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SGA’s MVP Campaign: Beyond Game 7, Shai’s MVP season included dominating performances, such as 31 and 29 points in Games 4 and 7
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Williams’ Breakout: Jalen Williams’ 40-point effort in Game 5 further underscored the Thunder’s youthful depth
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Defensive Dominance: Thunder’s 23 forced turnovers in the series finale proved pivotal.
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Injury Concerns: Haliburton suffered a Game 7 Achilles injury, adding a bittersweet note to Indiana’s effort
Top 5 Pivotal Moments of the Finals
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Haliburton’s buzzer-beater to stun the Thunder in Game 1
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SGA’s late-game surge in Game 4, scoring 11 clutch points to tie the series 2–2.
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Williams’ 40-point explosion in Game 5, giving OKC a commanding 3–2 lead
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Pacers’ statement Game 6 win, setting up a decisive Game 7.
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SGA’s 29 & 12 in Game 7, sealing the championship with poise and command
The Legacy of the 2025 Championship
This victory marks a milestone for Oklahoma City:
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Over three decades since the franchise’s last Final appearance as Seattle.
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The youngest roster to win the Finals since the 1977 Trail Blazers
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A blend of rising talents—SGA, Williams, Holmgren—under GM Sam Presti’s forward-thinking leadership
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Signals potential for a sustained dynasty in the years ahead.
For the Pacers:
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Their first Finals appearance since 2000, showcasing a new era built around Haliburton, Siakam, and Toppin
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Despite Game 7 heartbreak, Indiana’s future remains bright—if Haliburton recovers fully.
Comparative Stats — Thunder vs. Pacers in Finals
| Category | Oklahoma City Thunder | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Finals Result | Champions (4–3) | Runner-Up |
| Finals MVP | Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander | — |
| Key Scoring Averages | SGA ~29 PPG in Game 7, Williams 40 pts G5 | Haliburton 38 G1, injury in G7 |
| Turnovers Forced | 23 in Game 7 | Suffered turnovers throughout series |
| Youth & Team Bond | Young core, high chemistry | Strong core, depth tested by injury |
| Franchise Milestone | First title in OKC | Breakthrough Finals run |
What Comes Next for Both Teams?
Oklahoma City Thunder
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Contract Focus: SGA is poised for a major extension, potentially worth $293M+.With retained core and ample draft capital, the Thunder are primed to compete again.
Indiana Pacers
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Rebuilding Around Haliburton: Medical updates on Achilles injury crucial.
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Likely to maintain core group—Siakam, Toppin, McConnell.
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May enter offseason pursuing perimeter shooters and wing defenders to support playoff ambitions.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma City Thunder capped off the 2025 NBA Finals with a 103–91 Game 7 victory, marking a historic championship run through grit, strategy, young talent, and top-tier performances—especially from SGA and Jalen Williams. Their first title in Oklahoma has set the foundation for what could become a modern basketball dynasty.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers impressed throughout, pushing the series to a Game 7 and announcing their arrival as Eastern contenders. Despite tough luck and injury setbacks, their progress offers ample promise for future seasons.
In an era of NBA parity—seven unique champions in seven years—this Final underscored how preparation, talent development, and mental toughness still define greatness.
