The Oklahoma City Thunder won their first NBA championship since 1979, when they were still the Seattle Supersonics, by defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in a dramatic Game 7 at the Pechanga Arena on June 22, 2025. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his impressive season scoring 29 points and providing 12 assists; he joined the elite group that has won both the regular season MVP and the Finals MVP, a rare achievement.
This victory caps off a record regular season of 68 wins for the franchise, and the Thunder now have the most exciting group of young talent in the NBA, including Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Asahiah Hartenstein. It’s not just about ending a 46-year championship drought; it’s a moment that symbolizes the potential birth of a new basketball dynasty.
These finals were also described through a touching run by the shooters. Tyrese Haliburton was their emotional engine, hitting key shots and showcasing game improvements, including the game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left in game 1, but suffered a terrible Achilles injury very early in game 7. His presence gave this small market matchup a great emotional impact both on and off the court.
Despite the presence of two small market franchises in Oklahoma City and Indianapolis, this series has become the most talked-about sporting event in America last week. One of the reasons is that both teams are challenging the traditional giants of the NBA and competing with the market appeal of big teams like the Lakers and the Celtics. The emotions are further heightened by injuries such as Haliburton’s, star power, anticipated parade buses, viral moments like the one from Isaiah Hartenstein, and even the fear of the ‘Friday the 13th’ broadcast – and you have a perfect storm for social media.
This final is not only trending; it is resonating. Fans have flooded social media platforms with memes, debates, and rallying cries. Google search trends are on the rise, and public conversation has been intense about whether Thunder can build an empire. Many see it as a significant turning point in the modern history of the NBA: an exciting and emotionally charged finish that is wrapped in the larger story of the rise of equality and small-market teams.
