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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander capped a spectacular season by delivering the Oklahoma City Thunder their first NBA Championship since the franchise relocated from Seattle in 2008. The 26-year-old Canadian dropped 29 points and dished out 12 assists as OKC defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7.
The win sealed a 4-3 series victory and marked the first Finals to reach a deciding game since 2016. Gilgeous-Alexander, who had already claimed the regular season MVP and scoring title, earned Finals MVP honors—becoming just the fourth player to sweep all three in a single year and the first since Shaquille O’Neal.
Pacers Lose Haliburton Early
Indiana’s hopes took a massive hit just minutes into the game when star guard Tyrese Haliburton went down with a leg injury. After hitting three early three-pointers, Haliburton slipped driving to the basket and was forced to exit in visible pain.
Despite the setback, the Pacers led 48-47 at the break. But a dominant third quarter saw OKC outscore Indiana 34-20, pulling away for good in the final frame, with the lead stretching to 22 points.
Young Core, Big Moment
The Thunder’s championship run comes with an average age of just 25.6—making them the youngest team to lift the trophy since the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers. Coach Mark Daigneault, hired during the team’s rebuild in 2020, praised the group’s chemistry and commitment.
“They compete like champions, they root for each other—this is a rare group,” said Daigneault. “They’ve just stayed true to who they are.”
From Basement to Banner
Just four seasons ago, Oklahoma City posted a mere 22 wins in a COVID-shortened campaign. This year, they set a franchise-best with 68 victories. Gilgeous-Alexander, who entered the league with the Clippers in 2018, reflected on the journey.
“It doesn’t feel real,” he said. “We put in the hours. We deserved this.”
He added, “It felt like we were just kids playing basketball. This is only the beginning.”
Injury Devastates Pacers’ Dream Run
Haliburton, who had been playing through a strained calf, was sidelined early in the do-or-die clash. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle confirmed the 25-year-old was involved in the locker room at halftime and remained a vocal presence.
“He’ll be back,” said Carlisle. “We don’t have details yet, but Tyrese is a fighter.”
