In typical heartbreaking fashion, the Indiana Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. The defeat was caused by the Achilles tear injury of number one option, Tyrese Haliburton. His production early in the game was an offensive clip — nine points and going 60% in field goal shooting percentages. The National Basketball Association gods truly robbed us of a hardwood classic, but the matchup was still close. The Pacers did put up a fight as players such as T.J. McConnell, Pascal Siakam, and Andrew Nembhard can attest. However, they were no match for their Western Conference counterparts, resulting in a bittersweet ending to an amazing matchup.
Anyways, the OKC Thunder won this series fair and square. Both teams were battle-tested, but the Thunder were more composed and didn’t seem desperate in the final minute stretch. The Thunder also were a better defensive team — an identity led by ALL NBA 1st Defensive Team player Luguentz Dort with Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren being components to that side of the ball.
Offense-wise, the team is on point. Those same players have also developed a jumpshot that guarantees a three. For example, Aaron Wiggins was an excellent shooter for the Thunder’s playoff run. He was making shots in front of the Pacers’ suffocating defense but that ball did not lie. The shooting guard, while not a part of the core, was indeed integral to the Thunder’s transition offense.
And who could forget the tangent duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams? The latter had been criticized for being too green during offensive droughts. However, it did not stop him from being the team’s terrific number two option. In the final game, he posted 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. The stats don’t show the real story as any eye test can tell you — he was tenacious and crafty on both sides of the court.
Finally, the 2024-25 NBA Most Valuable Player. The scoring champion. The Finals MVP — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder’s leader proved to the world what a pro wants and needs — a championship. I felt so disgusted seeing posts on NBA channels on Twitter, Reddit, Discord, and even KTT2 discredit his accomplishments. Many have called him a foul merchant but honestly — Alexander is strategically taking advantage of the game. As seen in this series, where the referees actually embraced physicality on the defensive end — he still had a dominant performance. The MVP capped the series finale with twenty-nine points, twelve assists, five rebounds, and two blocks. Impressive performance.
Everyone calls the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship as a nightmare scenario, considering they are often compared to dynastical NBA teams of the past. However — I feel differently. This is a young team that behaves and breathes like a winner. Detractors have brought up Luka, Jokic, and Giannis in these MVP talks after it has been awarded — but those opinions mean nada now that SGA is the best player in the world as we speak. Better yet, the Thunder are the best team in the league and are the ones to beat.
Don’t call the Thunder’s appearance as their one and only. Sam Presti’s vision has come to fruition amidst the criticism. Patience has clearly paid off, and regardless of the naysayers, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be mainstays for the years to come.
