6 Important takeaways from the roaring victory of Oklahoma City Thunder against Indiana Pacers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander via Getty Images
With 6 games of the 2025 NBA Finals leading to a nail-biting draw between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, Game 7 had all eyes set on it from across the globe. As the Oklahoma City Thunder diverted Game 7 towards themselves, from the clutch of Tyrese Haliburton and company, they proved to the world that they are here to reign.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's players were almost frozen post winning the NBA Championship after a gap of 17 long years.
Years of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and determination paid off in one of the most historical moments during the 2025
NBA
Finals for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company. So, here are 6 important takeaways from the crowning moment of the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Indiana Pacers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took center stage against Indiana Pacers
As the Paycom Center buzzed with the fans rooting for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the popular NBA team went on to set the stadium on fire with a spellbinding performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Back in 2019, when Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted, the hopes of showing up in the playoffs could be seen in the NBA team. After being named as the 2025 MVP, he went on to prove that he is here to dominate and decimate the Indiana Pacers.
With his classic performance, he has already stepped into the NBA league's elite circle
The highly resilient nature of Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers deserve a pat on their back too, as their grit and never-give-up spirit not only brought them to the playoffs and then to the 2025 NBA Finals but also made them one of the most deserving teams to clinch the championship.
With Tyrese Haliburton diverting the spotlight towards himself with his fantastic clutch theatrics and WNBA star Caitlin Clark's presence during the face-off between both NBA teams, the Indiana Pacers were not only resilient but also super focused on claiming the championship.
However, Tyrese Haliburton was ready to stake almost everything for his team, but his right calf injury after Game 5 not only devastated his fans across the globe but also drew concerns from the NBA world.
Oklahoma City Thunder's defense dominated the Indiana Pacers
The landslide victory of the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Indiana Pacers not only speaks about their team effort but also the defense mechanism of the NBA club. After the exit of Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers athletes 'stood blank and lost, weakened by his absence.
Oklahoma City's defense set the tone from the start, racking up 14 steals—three each from Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and Cason Wallace. The Thunder forced 21 turnovers overall, constantly disrupting Indiana's rhythm.
Those takeaways often turned into fast-break points or, at minimum, stalled any momentum the Pacers tried to build. When OKC's defense feeds their offense like that, they're nearly impossible to stop.
A great start for the Oklahoma City Thunder
With a young and dynamic team nearly achieving victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the popular NBA team has a long way to go. Reportedly, the maximum players are around 25 or younger than that; achieving a championship title at such a young age can be a great learning experience.
Oklahoma City Thunder Sparkled Under Pressure
Even after losing three games against the Indiana Pacers, the Oklahoma City Thunder did not budge from their aim. Even after being subjected to intense pressure while playing in front of their home crowd, the Oklahoma City Thunder sparkled and shone all the way through Game 7 during the 2025 NBA Finals.
Phenomenal teamwork of the Oklahoma City Thunder's athletes
Chet Holmgren made history in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, setting a new record with a dominant shot-blocking performance.
He wrapped up the series with 11 blocks in the Finals and totaled 43 throughout the postseason—an incredible mark for a first-year player.
Jalen Williams bounced back from a quiet Game 6 to post a team-high plus-13 in the winner-take-all Game 7, showing his value on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his steady playmaking, dishing out 10 assists twice during the playoffs, including a key performance in Game 5 of the Finals.
Also Read:
'It will be fun'- OKC Thunders star Shai-Gilgeous Alexander shares his honest thoughts on facing fellow Canadian athletes from Indiana Pacers
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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