Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander Leads Thunder to Historic NBA Title/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander posted 29 points and 12 assists to secure the NBA Finals MVP, capping an 84‑win season and guiding Oklahoma City past Indiana 103‑91 in Game 7. The Pacers, missing Tyrese Haliburton early to a serious leg injury, led at halftime but were overtaken by a decisive 34‑20 third quarter. With the victory, the Thunder win their first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008, earning their first championship banner next season.
Quick Look
- Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 103, Indiana Pacers 91
- Top Performer: Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (29 pts, 12 asts; named Finals MVP)
- Key Moment: Pacers lose Tyrese Haliburton early; Thunder’s 34‑20 third quarter seals the win
Deep Look
Oklahoma City’s journey to its first NBA championship culminated in a commanding 103–91 Game 7 win over the Pacers on Sunday night. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, in his MVP‑Finals dual pursuit, delivered quietly spectacular numbers: 29 points and 12 assists, controlling the flow and pacing of a high-stakes showdown.
The turning point was unequivocally the third quarter, where the Thunder outscored Indiana 34–20, breaking open a close contest that saw the Pacers up 48–47 at halftime . Jalen Williams bolstered the effort with 20 points, while rookie star Chet Holmgren chipped in 18, demonstrating the Thunder’s depth and balance in this final push.
Indiana faced a devastating blow when Tyrese Haliburton exited early with a leg injury—an Achilles-related concern. His absence weighed heavily as Oklahoma City’s third-quarter surge stretched the lead to double digits, showcasing how pivotal his loss proved to be .
This title caps a blockbuster season: the Thunder posted an astounding combined total of 84 wins—including 68 in the regular season—tying the legendary 1996‑97 Bulls for third-most wins in a season. Such dominance was evident throughout the playoffs: they consistently won by large margins, registering multiple 30+ point wins and surging across series .
Coach Mark Daigneault, known for his innovative and player-centric approach, has transformed the franchise since taking the helm in 2020. His adaptability—like deploying small-ball lineups and empowering young talent—has fostered resilience and unity, hallmarks of this championship team
SGA’s composure under pressure was a recurrent theme. Veteran observers noted his evolution from a “hot‑headed youth” to a poised leader. His consistent 30-point playoff performance (15 games of 30+), efficient mid-range game, and adaptability—balancing scoring and playmaking—reinforce his place alongside NBA legends .
The psychological weight of Game 7 proved no match for his calm intensity. Mic’d up during the finals, he simply declared: “One game for all the marbles…” That focus manifested in his steady play and team-first mindset, even when the bench-heavy Thunder pulled away.
Indiana’s run—erasing a 10–15 start and nearly claiming a title—was a testament to grit. But Oklahoma City’s historical high-wire consistency, star leadership, and tactical clarity eclipsed the Pacers. TJ McConnell summed it up: “Deflated, but proud of everything we’ve accomplished.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.