One of the greatest NBA Finals in recent memory concluded yesterday as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged out the Indiana Pacers to claim the NBA Championship. This series delivered it all: superstar brilliance, game-winners, clutch execution, relentless defense, and major contributions from role players. Yet, it may be remembered most for one devastating moment.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles on the same leg in which he’d been battling a calf strain, collapsing on a drive and needing help to leave the court. The injury deflated Indiana, who had repeatedly overcome long odds and stood just one win away from a historic title. After forcing a Game 7 with a dominant home victory in Game 6, and with Haliburton knocking down three early threes in the finale, the stage seemed set for something special—until fate intervened.
For Oklahoma City, the Game 7 win capped off one of the finest campaigns in league history. The Thunder became just the fourth team ever to win at least 84 total games, and their 68–14 regular season tied for the fourth-best record all time. Their +11.8 point differential per game ranked fourth in league history, while their cumulative margin—outscoring opponents by 1,243 points—was the highest ever.
Defensively, the Thunder set the standard. They allowed 2.5 fewer points per 100 possessions than the second-best team (Orlando) and averaged 10.7 steals per 100 in the playoffs, turning defense into transition buckets. They locked down the paint, holding opponents to 62.2% shooting in the restricted area and deterring shots at the rim altogether—just 24% of opponents’ attempts came from close range. The Pacers, who averaged 117.5 points per 100 possessions in prior rounds, were held to 108.1 in the Finals and just 91 in Game 7.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander completed a historic season. He became the first player ever to win league MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, and Finals MVP—alongside capturing the scoring title. He averaged 32.7 points in the regular season and added 30.3 per game in the Finals, thriving in the midrange while mixing in drives, threes, and trips to the line.
Photo Cred: A Sea of Blue
His supporting stars—Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren—shined alongside him. Williams erupted for 40 points in Game 5 with an array of drives and long-range shooting, while Holmgren showcased his versatility, grabbing rebounds, stretching the floor, and protecting the rim. In Game 7, Holmgren contributed 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Surrounding them, players like Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Hartenstein provided invaluable minutes—but the offensive engine was driven by OKC’s trio.
Indiana, meanwhile, captured the hearts of fans everywhere. As underdogs in every series, the Pacers rode Haliburton’s brilliance deep into June. His postseason run included game-winners and fearless shot-making, but the Finals also featured breakout performances from Pascal Siakam, who carried much of the scoring load, and TJ McConnell, whose hustle and grit were on full display. McConnell tallied five steals and ten points in Game 3, then added 18 in Game 5, 12 in Game 6, and 16 in Game 7, helping stabilize the offense in Haliburton’s absence.
Benedict Mathurin emerged as a scoring threat off the bench, delivering 27 points in Game 3 and 24 in Game 7. Andrew Nembhard added steady playmaking and timely buckets. Myles Turner’s series was quieter, but his spacing and interior defense remained key, while Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin gave Indiana bench scoring that consistently challenged OKC’s second unit.
The series will be remembered for its drama and swings. Game 1 belonged to Indiana after Haliburton’s game-winner, while OKC bounced back strong in Game 2. The third game saw a dominant Pacers performance, fueling belief. Game 4 looked to be Indiana’s for the taking, but a late Thunder comeback tied the series—ultimately a turning point that haunted the Pacers. A 3–1 series lead slipped through their fingers.
In Game 5, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 71 points to seize control. McConnell’s third-quarter spark briefly closed the gap, but the Thunder pulled away late. Haliburton, limited by his calf injury, managed just four points from the free throw line. Yet he returned to form in Game 6, leading a balanced attack where six Pacers scored in double figures. Obi Toppin’s 20 points helped force a deciding Game 7.
But Game 7 belonged to OKC. Despite trailing by one at the half, the Thunder’s defense tightened, and Haliburton’s absence stalled Indiana’s offense. Though the Pacers made a late push, it wasn’t enough. The Thunder secured their first title since moving to Oklahoma City. It was a long time coming. After falling short in the 2012 Finals with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, OKC endured a lengthy rebuild.
Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
GM Sam Presti’s blockbuster trade of Paul George for Gilgeous-Alexander and a trove of picks has aged beautifully. Now, with Shai, Jalen, and Chet still years from their prime—and draft assets still in hand—the Thunder look poised to build a dynasty. In the end, this Finals delivered everything fans could ask for. Late-game heroics, strategic battles, defensive intensity, and unforgettable moments defined the series. Game 1 was snatched by the Pacers; Game 4 was taken by OKC in dramatic fashion. Both teams played unselfish, high-IQ basketball built on ball movement, spacing, and two-way effort.
While the Thunder’s offense ultimately outpaced Indiana, the Pacers’ resilience never faded—until Haliburton’s heartbreaking injury brought their storybook run to a painful close. The Thunder are set to contend for years to come. But the Pacers showed the league a different kind of blueprint: how to build culture, develop talent, and win with heart. While they fell just short of a Cinderella finish, they earned the respect of fans and franchises alike. In a league often driven by star drama and splashy trades, these Finals reminded everyone that the best basketball is still rooted in chemistry, character, and team-first play.
