Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to First NBA Title Since Relocation

Gilgeous-Alexander Guides Thunder to NBA Glory in Game 7 Classic

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a generational performance as he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA Championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008, sealing a 103-91 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

The 26-year-old Canadian guard racked up 29 points and 12 assists, securing the NBA Finals MVP award to complete a stunning season treble—adding to his regular season MVP and NBA scoring title. He becomes just the fourth player in league history and the first since Shaquille O’Neal to accomplish that feat in one season.

“It doesn’t feel real… This group worked for it. We deserved this,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win.

Thunder: The Youngest Champions in Decades

Averaging just 25.6 years in age, the Thunder became the youngest NBA Finals-winning team since the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers. Despite trailing at halftime, Oklahoma City outscored Indiana 34-20 in the third quarter, eventually pushing the lead to 22 points in the final stretch.

The victory caps off a franchise-record 68-win season, a remarkable turnaround from their 22-win campaign just four years ago under then-rookie coach Mark Daigneault.

“They behave like champions… they root for each other’s success,” said Daigneault. “This is an uncommon team—and now they’re champions.”

Haliburton Injury Halts Pacers’ Momentum

Indiana’s hopes were derailed early as star guard Tyrese Haliburton exited just seven minutes into Game 7 with a leg injury. He had opened the game hot with three early three-pointers, but fell awkwardly while driving to the basket and had to be helped off the court.

“Our hearts dropped,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, adding, “He’ll be back… He was still part of the group that believed we could do this.”

Despite a gritty performance from the rest of the Pacers, the absence of Haliburton proved pivotal as Oklahoma City’s depth and poise prevailed.

A Dynasty in the Making?

The Thunder, under Daigneault’s guidance, have transformed from rebuilding team to league powerhouse in just a few seasons. With Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm and a young core that includes Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City looks well-positioned to contend for years to come.

“We have a lot to grow… this is a great start,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.