Thunder vs. Pacers: NBA Finals 2025 and Season Roundup

Last Updated on June 23, 2025 10:04 am by Erwin Noguera

The 2025 NBA Finals served up a showdown that few could have predicted at the start of the season: the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the Indiana Pacers.

The Thunder, led by the electrifying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, had steadily built a contender through skillful drafting and player development. Their trip to the Finals was a testament to patience and defensive training, and they eventually saw their young core develop into a formidable force.

On the other side, the Pacers, led by the dynamic Tyrese Haliburton, had transformed into an offensive juggernaut. Their spectacular, high-scoring style captivated fans and overwhelmed opponents throughout the playoffs, making them a favorite of basketball lovers.

This Finals showdown represented a changing of the guard in the NBA. Gone were the usual teams: no LeBron-led team, no Warriors dynasty, no Boston Celtics. Instead, two hungry franchises, each seeking their first championship in their current cities, were ready to make history.

Game 7 Recap: Thunder Clinch First Championship

The Oklahoma City Thunder made history in a thrilling Game 7, securing their first NBA championship with a 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The tension was palpable as both teams, each seeking their franchise’s first ring, battled fiercely throughout the contest.

The turning point of the game came early when Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a devastating Achilles injury just five minutes into the first quarter. Despite this setback,Indiana showed remarkable resilience, entering halftime with a narrow 48-47 lead.

However, the Thunder’s stifling defense took over in the third quarter, limiting the Pacers to just 20 points and extending their lead to 81-68. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an off-shooting day (8/27 FG, 2/12 3PT) but demonstrated his all-around game with 29 points and 12 assists, earning Finals MVP honors.

Key contributions came from Jalen Williams (20 points) and Chet Holmgren, whose defensive presence was felt throughout the game. The Thunder appeared to have the game under control, leading 90-68 with 7:40 remaining, but the resilient Pacers mounted a late comeback attempt.

T. J. McConnell and Pascal Siakam led a late charge, cutting the deficit to 93-81 with 4:11 to play. The Thunder, with no timeouts and Gilgeous-Alexander in foul trouble, faced a moment of panic. However, the combined efforts of SGA, Holmgren, and Williams steadied the ship, thwarting Indiana’s final push.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Thunder’s journey from rebuilding team to NBA champions was complete, marking a new era for the franchise and solidifying its place in NBA history.

Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury: A Defining Moment

The 2025 NBA Finals took a dramatic turn just five minutes into the first quarter of Game 7 when Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a devastating injury.

As Haliburton attempted to drive past the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he suddenly collapsed to the floor, clutching his right leg in agony. The arena fell silent as medical personnel rushed to his aid, and soon, the worst fears were confirmed: Haliburton had torn his Achilles tendon.

This injury was particularly heartbreaking as Haliburton had already been playing with a strained Achilles, showing his determination to lead his team to victory. Before the injury, he had hit three crucial three-pointers, setting the tone for what promised to be an epic performance in Game 7.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP of the Regular Season and the Finals

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to the NBA’s elite peaked in the 2024-2025 season, as he captured both the regular season and Finals MVP awards. This rare feat puts him in the company of basketball legends such as Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and LeBron James.

Throughout the regular season, SGA was a force to be reckoned with, averaging an impressive 32.7 points per game. His unique style of play, characterized by his methodical pace and deadly mid-range game, proved unstoppable for opposing defenses. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to control the game’s pace and make decisive shots at crucial moments was a key factor in the Thunder’s success.

In the Finals, SGA elevated his game even further. His performance in Game 7 was spectacular, as he scored 29 points and 12 assists to lead the Thunder to their first championship. Despite the shooting struggles (8/27 from the field and 2/12 from three-point range), Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the game was undeniable. His court vision and playmaking skills shined, creating opportunities for teammates like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

At just 26 years old, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s double MVP season may be just the beginning of a legendary career. His ability to lead a young Thunder team to a championship while dominating individually suggests he could be a perennial MVP candidate for years to come, potentially joining the ranks of the all-time greats in NBA history.

Summary of the 2024/2025 NBA Season

The 2024-2025 NBA season was a roller coaster ride filled with unexpected twists, standout performances, and seismic shifts in the league’s power dynamics. As the dust settled on an exciting campaign, several key storylines emerged that shaped the season’s narrative.

The rise of small-market teams dominated the headlines, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers leading the charge. Their success challenged the notion that only big-market franchises could compete for championships, injecting new excitement into the league.

Trade activity reached a mid-season peak, with several All-Stars switching teams. The most notable move saw Damian Lillard finally depart Portland for Miami, instantly transforming the Heat into title contenders. Meanwhile, the Knicks made waves by acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, signaling their intent to end their championship drought.

Load management continued to be a hot topic, and the league implemented stricter rules on player rest. This led to increased tension between teams, players, and the league office as the organizations sought to balance competitiveness with long-term player health.

The most amazing teams

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s rise to NBA champions in 2025 marks one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent league history. Just two seasons ago, they were a lottery team with potential. Now, they find themselves at the top of the basketball world, leaving fans and analysts in awe of their rapid development.

The key to the Thunder’s success was the exponential growth of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA went from a promising young player to a true superstar, capturing regular season and Finals MVP awards. His unique style of play, characterized by methodical mid-range shooting and deceptive speed, became the cornerstone of OKC’s offense. Equally crucial was the emergence of Alex Caruso as a defensive anchor, who stopped big players like Nikola Jokic.

The Washington Wizards emerged as the favorites in this race to the bottom, embracing their rebuild with open arms. Their strategy was clear from the start: field a roster designed for development rather than immediate success. The acquisition of Jordan Poole, while flashy on paper, seemed more focused on his potential as a centerpiece for the future rather than an asset to win now.

The Wizards’ commitment to this approach was unwavering, resulting in them being the first Eastern Conference team eliminated from playoff contention.

The Chicago Bulls found themselves in an unexpected position. After trading away key players DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, many expected them to plummet in the standings. However, the surprising competitiveness of the remaining roster left the Bulls in a precarious middle ground, not bad enough for the best lottery odds but not good enough for a serious playoff push.

Most disappointing team: The Fall of the Suns

The Phoenix Suns’ dramatic fall from grace in the NBA 2024-2025 season shocked fans and analysts.

With a star-studded lineup featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns were widely expected to be championship contenders. Instead, they found themselves struggling to secure a playoff berth, marking one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent NBA history.

Other teams that disappointed everyone included the Cavaliers, Celtics, Knicks, Bucks, Bucks, Nuggets, Rockets, and even the Warriors, all of whom were expected to do much better and ended up with short playoff runs.