It’s official. The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are the 2025 NBA Champions, beating the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game sequence to cap off one of the crucial profitable seasons in NBA historical past.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standard suspect, main the best way for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder along with his 29 factors, whereas Chet Holmgren got here up large on the offensive finish with 18 factors.
Jalen Williams rounded up the younger trio along with his 20 factors, and Gilgeous-Alexander etched his identify among the many marquee few to win the common season MVP and the Finals MVP award. Tyrese Haliburton’s harm was a dampener on issues however Gilgeous-Alexander deserves immense credit score.
Nevertheless, all his reward after the sport was directed in the direction of one participant, whom he gave the final word praise by calling him a “as soon as in a lifetime” participant.
The Thunder have successfully damaged the trendy NBA in the very best manner as a result of they’ve received the title at a younger age with out sacrificing their future.
An enormous purpose why that has occurred is as a result of Sam Presti drafted extraordinarily effectively, along with his picks of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren all panning out.
After taking within the championship victory, Gilgeous-Alexander was requested about what makes this group particular.
Whereas he ensured that he gave the flowers to all of his teammates, he reserved the final word praise for Jalen Williams, the twelfth decide within the 2022 NBA Draft, who has exceeded all expectations.
Gilgeous-Alexander stated: “[Jalen Williams] is a once-in-a-lifetime participant. With out him, his moments, his shot-making, his defending, we don’t win the championship. We’re etched within the scoring e book collectively [as one of the top-scoring duos in the NBA Finals series].”
The NBA throwing up new champions just about each season falls proper in step with Adam Silver’s superb world of parity within the league.
Nevertheless, the Thunder is perhaps best-placed to finish that parity and begin their dynasty.
Not solely do they have already got a championship group, however they will simply add extra thrilling prospects or a celebrity or two to this group.
Their draft capital is second to none, Sam Presti has already proved his drafting prowess, and the group is younger sufficient that it might go on for some time but, even with out additions.
The Golden State Warriors had been the final large dynasty, they usually wanted to hit on draft picks with Curry, Thompson, and Inexperienced.
The Thunder have hit equally on Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren. A dynasty is coming and will probably be well-deserved.
A “small-market” group has performed issues the proper manner and toppled over the giants within the conventional sense of the phrase.
