NBA Odds and News: The Thunder Champion

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The Thunder won their first NBA Championship and focused on what’s ahead

June 23, 2025 – In a night to remember, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured the NBA championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers  103-91 in the decisive Game 7 of the Finals, held on Sunday, June 22. This victory marks their first title since the franchise moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008, and it caps off a spectacular season that had already included 68 wins in the regular season and 16 more in the playoffs.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: From Rising Star to Living Legend

The undeniable hero of the night was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who capped off a phenomenal season by earning the Finals MVP award. In the decisive game, he led the team with 29 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds—highlighting a brilliant series in which he averaged 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game.

With these numbers, he became the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to win the Regular Season MVP, Finals MVP, and the NBA title in the same season. He also set a new record by scoring 72 points in the first two games of the Finals—the most ever by a player in their first two games of a Finals series. His presence was crucial in key moments, like Game 4, where he scored 15 of his 35 points in the final five minutes of regulation—the most in that stretch since 1971.

Jalen Williams: A Shining Gem

Another key figure was Jalen Williams, selected 12th overall in the 2022 draft, who showed remarkable growth and strong self-confidence throughout the series. Williams averaged 23.6 points per game throughout the Finals and made a significant impact in Game 5, where he erupted for 40 points. In the decisive Game 7, he contributed 20 critical points to help secure the title. His evolution from a promising prospect to a key player is one of the organization’s most significant achievements.

Sam Presti’s Role and the Building of a Winning Team

Behind this outstanding success lies the meticulous work of General Manager Sam Presti, who, since 2019, has been steadily building the foundation of a competitive team. That year, the Thunder made a pivotal move by trading Paul George to the Clippers. In return, they received Gilgeous-Alexander and several draft picks, including the one that eventually became Jalen Williams.

Presti utilized those picks to assemble a young, talented, and well-balanced team, featuring pieces that combine long-term potential with immediate impact. Credit is also due to the hiring of Mark Daigneault as head coach back in 2020. Presti already knew him from his time coaching the G League affiliate, and his promotion to the NBA team brought a fresh, flexible, and player-centered philosophy.

A Young, Versatile Team with a Winning Mentality. One of the standout traits of this championship team is their youthfulness — averaging just 25.6 years old, the Oklahoma City Thunder ranks as the second-youngest team to ever claim the NBA title. Despite their youth, they showed a remarkable blend of energy and maturity, allowing them to outperform more experienced opponents.

Turning Points in the Final Series

The road to the title wasn’t easy. After losing the first game and then the third, the Thunder fell behind 2-1 in the series. However, they regained control by winning the next two games, though they stumbled again in Game 6. The title was decided in a dramatic Game 7 at home, where they showed courage and quality to claim the crown.

The progression of young stars Shai and Jalen was especially clear: their contributions were crucial in the most decisive moments. Shai dominated from the start, and Williams gained confidence and delivered key shots from all over the court.

Historic Records and Moments to Remember

Scoring 72 points across the first two Finals games, Gilgeous-Alexander set a new record for a player making his debut in the Finals.

During Game 4, he put up 15 points in the last five minutes, marking the highest scoring output in that final stretch since 1971.

In Game 5, he became the first player since blocks were officially recorded (1973-74) to log 30+ points, 10+ assists, and 4+ blocks in a single Finals game.

These numbers speak not only to talent but also to a rare ability to perform under pressure, further enhancing his value.

The Start of a New Era?

Modern NBA rules are known for their tight salary caps and roster limitations, making it challenging to keep winning teams together in the long term. However, the group that Presti has assembled has all the ingredients to challenge that trend. With two young stars, a strong support system, a clear game philosophy, and thoughtful salary planning, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a position to compete for many more titles.

The abundance of high-quality draft picks and the ability to retain their young core provide a solid foundation to extend this winning era. If Shai and Jalen continue developing at their current pace and the team maintains its core structure, the Oklahoma City Thunder could become the team to beat in the coming years.

A City in Celebration

Fans in Oklahoma City have waited 17 years for this moment since the team’s relocation. Now, with the trophy in hand, the city is in full celebration mode. The streets filled with joy on Sunday night, and in the coming days, tributes, parades, and ceremonies are expected to honor the players and coaching staff who made this possible.

Looking Ahead

With the championship secured, the Thunder must now focus on sustaining their success. Their top priorities will likely be:

• Retaining key players (Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and others)
• Maintaining their dynamic, fast-paced, defensively solid style of play
• If they stay the course, Oklahoma City won’t just live off recent glory—they may be at the beginning of a true modern dynasty.

The Thunder have closed out a dream season with a championship, built on a foundation of youth, energy, and structure. What started six years ago as a bold move few paid attention to has now become reality: Oklahoma City is no longer dreaming—they are champions. And the most exciting part? This is just the beginning.