The Thunder didn't exactly coast through the 2025 playoffs, having had to pull out a pair of Game 7 victories (over Denver and Indiana) in order to win their first NBA championship since the franchise moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City.

In a Finals Game 7 classic that featured 11 lead changes and yet another late Indiana comeback, the Thunder got 29 points&12 assists from Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to hold off a relentless Pacers team, 103-91 ( https://apo-opa.co/44cTtIy ), and claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The promise came three years ago from Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti. It might have been overlooked for a couple of reasons.