Oklahoma City Thunder wins 2024-2025 NBA title in Game 7 thriller

WASHINGTON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Oklahoma City Thunder claimed the 2024-2025 NBA championship after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in a decisive Game 7 of the Finals on Sunday, winning the best-of-seven series 4-3 to secure their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008.

It marks the franchise's second NBA championship in history, with the first coming in 1979 when the team was known as the Seattle SuperSonics.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Finals MVP after an outstanding series, averaging 30.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. In Game 7, he delivered a clutch performance with 29 points, five rebounds and 12 assists.

The series was deadlocked at 3-3 entering the final game. Early on, the visiting Pacers held a slight edge behind standout play from Tyrese Haliburton. However, midway through the first quarter, Haliburton suffered a lower leg injury and was forced to exit the game.

Despite his absence, the Pacers remained competitive, holding a one-point lead at halftime.

The Thunder came out strong in the second half, gradually building their lead to more than 20 points. Oklahoma City maintained control down the stretch and sealed the win with a 12-point margin.

Jalen Williams added 20 points for the Thunder, while Chet Holmgren contributed 18.

For the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. ■