The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 on Sunday to clinch the franchise’s first NBA Finals crown with a 4-3 series victory.
Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, the regular season MVP and now the Finals MVP, had a vintage performance in the most important game of the year, posting 29 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds. He became just the third player to record at least 25 points and 12 assists in an NBA Finals Game 7, joining Walt Frazier and Jerry West.
The Pacers suffered a devastating blow early in the first quarter when Tyrese Haliburton injured his Achilles trying to drive to the basket. After suffering a calf strain in Game 5, Haliburton fought through the pain in Game 6 and tried to gut it out in the final game of the series. But losing him meant Indiana did not have the offensive firepower to overcome the Thunders’ suffocating defense.
Oklahoma City captured the franchise’s first championship since 1979, when it was the Seattle Supersonics. There is sure to be an incredible scene at the championship parade.
