Oklahoma City Thunder beats Indiana Pacers in Game 7, win maiden NBA title

Oklahoma City Thunder bested the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA finals, winning their first title in the league. OKC registered a 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to create history. 

The Thunder had won 22 and 24 games, respectively, in 2020-21 and 2021-22 season but they were able to turn the tables. They were 68-14 in the regular season, which is one of the seven best single-season marks in NBA history and they had entered the finals as a favorite.

Furthermore, Oklahoma City won a total of 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, matching the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls’ record for third most in any season.

“It doesn’t feel real,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours, and we deserve this.”

SGA was also awarded the NBA Finals MVP after he had already won the league’s MVP. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams was at his best in the finals after he had an inconsistent run in the playoffs.

“Honestly, I never really play for records,” the 7-foot-1 forward said. “I never play for stats. All that will be forgotten. But us winning is forever. It’s immortal. I’m just so happy we were able to do that together as a team.”

Head coach Mark Daigneault showered praise on his players for coming up with a collective show.

“They behave like champions. They compete like champions,” coach Mark Daigneault said. “They root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional sports. I’ve said it many times, and now I’m going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team, and now they’re champions.”