Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals 2025 Game 7: Score, Highlights, and Championship Outcome
Thunder Triumph Over Pacers in Game 7 to Claim 2025 NBA Championship
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 on June 22, 2025, at Paycom Center, securing their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle. Led by Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder showcased resilience and defensive prowess to overcome a competitive Pacers squad, marking a historic moment for the franchise.
Game 7 Recap: Thunder 103, Pacers 91
The game began with high intensity, as both teams traded blows in a tightly contested first half. The Pacers, despite losing star guard Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles injury in the first quarter, held a one-point lead at halftime. However, the Thunder dominated the second half, outscoring Indiana 56-43, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge. The MVP finished with 29 points, 12 assists, and 2 blocks, while Chet Holmgren added 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks, anchoring OKC’s elite defense.
For the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin stepped up with 24 points and 13 rebounds, but the absence of Haliburton proved too much to overcome. Indiana’s valiant effort fell short as the Thunder’s defensive pressure and timely scoring sealed the victory.
Key Moments and Highlights
- Haliburton’s Injury: The Pacers’ momentum shifted when Haliburton exited early, unable to return due to an Achilles injury. His absence limited Indiana’s offensive flow, forcing players like Mathurin and T.J. McConnell to carry the load.
- Thunder’s Second-Half Surge: OKC’s 16-7 run in the fourth quarter, sparked by Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch scoring, turned a close game into a decisive victory.
- Defensive Dominance: The Thunder forced 31 fewer turnovers over the series and capitalized on their league-leading defense, with Holmgren’s rim protection proving pivotal.
- Historic Win: This marks the Thunder’s first title as an Oklahoma City franchise, with their last championship coming as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979.
Championship Significance
The Thunder’s victory caps a remarkable 2024-25 season, where they finished with an NBA-best 68 wins and a 12-5 playoff record. Gilgeous-Alexander became the first player since Stephen Curry in 2015 to win both the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP in the same season. For the Pac Er, despite the loss, their run to the Finals—their first since 2000—highlighted their potential as a young, dynamic team led by Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and a deep bench.
Fan Reactions and Series Impact
Fans on X celebrated the Thunder’s grit and Gilgeous-Alexander’s poise, while expressing sympathy for the Pacers’ injury-riddled effort. Posts praised OKC’s cohesive play and predicted a bright future for both teams. The series, noted for its competitive nature and small-market appeal, drew millions of viewers, with Game 3 peaking at 11.54 million.
Looking Ahead
As the Thunder celebrate their championship, the Pacers will regroup, hoping for Haliburton’s full recovery. The 2025 NBA Draft looms as the next major event, with both teams poised to build on their young cores.
This Game 7 will be remembered as a defining moment for Oklahoma City, cementing their place in NBA history and setting the stage for a new era of Thunder basketball. #ThunderUp #NBAFinals
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