Cip Alvarez isn’t expecting his employees to be at work Monday.

Just like himself, he expected them to be celebrating the Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA championship. The team’s 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals is a big deal. As Oklahoma City’s only Big Four sports franchise, this is the city’s first-ever major championship in a professional sport.

“We’re breaking through the boundaries of what people would call a small city,” said Alvarez, a local painting contractor. “And we’re ready. Very proud to be an Oklahoman. Very proud that they entrusted us with the team and that we’ve come this far.”

There was a jubilant, if not chaotic, scene outside the Paycom Center and Scissortail Park following the game. People jumped into the Bricktown Canals, traffic was stopped, and fireworks were seen across the city. There was also one report of a shooting.

1 of 4 — 250622Thunder_Game7_Reactions06.jpg Thunder fans celebrate outside the Paycom Center on June 23, 2025. Sarah Liese / KOSU 2 of 4 — 250622Thunder_Game7_Reactions08.jpg Thunder fans celebrate outside the Paycom Center on June 23, 2025. Sarah Liese / KOSU 3 of 4 — 250622Thunder_Game7_Reactions07.jpg Thunder fans celebrate outside the Paycom Center on June 23, 2025. Sarah Liese / KOSU 4 of 4 — 250622Thunder_Game7_Reactions09.jpg Thunder fans celebrate outside the Paycom Center on June 23, 2025. Sarah Liese / KOSU

People spilled out of the arena and downtown bars, as car horns beeped at the pedestrians celebrating the historic win. The excitement looked different for each Thunder fan.

Patrick Cahill traveled with two of his friends from Ireland to watch the young team clinch the title.

“We are diehard fans,” Cahill said. “We traveled this long, and we want OKC to win. We’ll be dancing jigs and reels on the streets of Oklahoma this evening.”

Sarah Liese / KOSU / KOSU Patrick Cahill, Brian O’Donnell and Ryin O’Donnell (left to right) traveled from Ireland to Oklahoma City to witness the historic final game of the 2025 NBA championship.

Jake Landrum came from Tulsa to watch the game at Social Capital, a bar near Scissortail Park downtown.

“I mean, this is what every NBA fan dreams about, a game seven getting it to win in your own city,” Landrum said. “Not many fans get to experience that, so I’m just blessed that we’re even in this position.”

Championship parade coming Tuesday

The city will have plenty to celebrate this week. OKC Mayor David Holt took to social media to invite residents and Thunder fans to a championship parade on Tuesday.

“The day of the parade will forever live in the annals of our city’s history,” Mayor David Holt said in a statement. “It is a celebration of our team’s historic accomplishment and our city’s renaissance. All Thunder fans from across the city, state and world are invited.”

Oklahoma City officials announced the parade will start at 10:30 am Tuesday, with a route that starts at the intersection of 10th Street and Harvey Avenue and snakes through downtown to Scissortail Park.

The city anticipates 500,000 people or more at the event. Attendees should prepare for big crowds, long walks and hot conditions.

“We encourage parade attendees to make a plan for the day,” City Manager Craig Freeman said in a statement. “Have at least one or two backup options for parking and arriving safely at the event. You may need to walk long distances to and from the parade route.”

This report was produced by the Oklahoma Public Media Exchange, a collaboration of public media organizations. Help support collaborative journalism by donating at the link at the top of this webpage.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Paul George (Photo via Alonzo Adams/ Imagn Images)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a performance for the ages on Sunday night. Shai guided the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship with a Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers. Throughout the finals series, Shai’s leadership and scoring were unmatched. It ultimately earned him the NBA Finals MVP trophy to cap off a sensational playoff run.

The victory not only brought joy to Thunder fans but also reignited discussion around one of the most significant trades in recent NBA history. In July 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Thunder in exchange for Paul George. The blockbuster deal also included five first-round picks, two first-round pick swaps, and forward Danilo Gallinari.

Now that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the OKC Thunder to a championship. I think we can officially say this is THE WORST trade of ALL TIME. pic.twitter.com/8d94Z8316Y — Hater Report (@HaterReport_) June 23, 2025

Since then, the Thunder have thrived, culminating in this historic championship. On the flip side, the Clippers’ experiment with Paul George yielded disappointing results. Over five seasons, the team failed to reach the NBA Finals and ultimately traded George to the Philadelphia 76ers last offseason.

NBA Fans Convinced Clippers Made A Historic Mistake By Trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Photo by Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)

As the Thunder celebrated their championship and Shai held his MVP trophy high, NBA fans took to social media to voice their thoughts on the now-infamous trade.

“Well worse trade of all time for the Los Angeles Clippers,” one fan wrote bluntly.

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Well worse trade of all time for the los Angeles clippers — Chris Tonn Jr. ⚡⛈️🏀 (@chris_tonnjr22) June 23, 2025

Another fan broke it down even further, commenting, “Less the picks and Gallinari and Shai—just receiving Paul George for free is still a disadvantage for the Clippers. This trade is worst of the worst.”

less the picks and gallinari and shai.

just receiving paul george for free is still a disadavantage for the clippers.

this trade is worst of the worst — Ry.Ronen (@holmes_rye) June 23, 2025

“Such a 🤡🤡🤡 trade. Wonder where the GM of Clippers now that time of trade,” read one comment.

Such a 🤡🤡🤡 trade. Wonder where the GM of clippers now that time of trade — 𐤊 neo79 (@ferdz98) June 23, 2025

One fan applauded OKC’s long-term strategy, writing, “I agree 100%. OKC STILL feasting from this trade.”

I agree 100%

OKC STILL feasting from this trade — Venenosin 🇧🇷🇺🇸 (@O_Venenosin) June 23, 2025

Another pointed out George’s underwhelming legacy, “PG hasn’t done anything notable, other than by leaving teams they get better.”

PG hasn’t done anything notable, other than by leaving teams they get better — Brian (@localNERDlbk) June 23, 2025

With the championship win, Gilgeous-Alexander capped off one of the best individual seasons in NBA history. His accolades from the 2024–25 season included NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Finals MVP, WCF MVP, NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team, and NBA Scoring Champion.

Also Read: What Is Tampering In The NBA? Why Teams Are Fined Millions Over Quiet Conversations

The NBA Finals 2025, which marked the end of the 2024–2025 NBA season, lived up to all expectations. It offered basketball fans an exciting and fiercely fought series. After a grueling regular season and a dramatic run through the NBA Playoffs, two formidable teams emerged to battle for the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy: the surprising Indiana Pacers from the Eastern Conference and the ascendant Oklahoma City Thunder from the West. This matchup, featuring a blend of youthful athleticism, strategic coaching, and clutch performances, captivated audiences worldwide. Every game demonstrated the talent, tenacity, and unwavering resolve needed to compete at the highest level of professional basketball, from the initial tip-off to the final buzzer.

NBA Championship Winners Overview

Detail Description Champions Oklahoma City Thunder Runner-Up Indiana Pacers Series Result Thunder win 4-3 Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) Key Player (OKC) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren Key Player (IND) Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin Significance of Win First NBA Championship for Oklahoma City Thunder Series Duration 7 Games

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Who won the NBA Finals 2025?

The 2025 NBA Finals champions are the Oklahoma City Thunder! The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in a fiercely contested and unforgettable series. This was the first Larry O’Brien trophy for Oklahoma City for the first time in the team’s existence. The series, which stretched to six thrilling games, showcased the Thunder’s growth and offensive execution when it mattered most.

Each team secured crucial home victories, and several games went down to the wire, decided by single possessions. The decisive aspect in the end was the Thunder’s capacity to remain composed under duress and perform well in key situations.

NBA Finals MVP

The undisputed NBA Finals MVP for 2025 was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. His performance throughout the series was nothing short of spectacular, solidifying his status as one of the league’s truly elite players. Gilgeous-Alexander consistently delivered high-scoring performances, often against tough defensive matchups, but it was his all-around game that truly stood out.

Beyond his scoring, SGA demonstrated exceptional playmaking, consistently finding open teammates and orchestrating the Thunder’s offense. His calm demeanor and ability to hit crucial shots in pressure situations were instrumental in the Thunder’s success. Defensively, he was relentless, using his length and quick hands to disrupt passing lanes and generate steals, often leading to easy transition points for his team. His ability to impact every facet of the game, combined with his leadership on the court, made him the unanimous choice for the Finals MVP award. This individual honor capped off a breakout season for Gilgeous-Alexander, cementing his place in NBA history.

Pacers vs. Thunder: A Seven-Game Thriller

The Pacers vs Thunder series was a truly exciting and close battle that pushed both teams to their limits. The Indiana Pacers, known for their fast-paced offense and excellent shooting, had made a surprising run through the Eastern Conference playoffs, beating some strong teams to reach the Finals. Led by their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers played as a strong team, often without one single dominant player, which made them a fan favorite. Their speed and clever offense usually overwhelmed other teams.

However, the Oklahoma City Thunder, a very young and quickly improving team, proved to be too strong. The Thunder’s success came from having many skilled players who could play well on both offense and defense. Their main star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, led the way, with great support from teammates like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. The Thunder’s defense was super tough, especially in the most important parts of the games, often stopping the Pacers’ normally smooth offense. On offense, they played like a much more experienced team, running smart plays and making big shots when it counted.

NBA Playoffs

This series was like a championship boxing match, with both teams trading wins. Each team won important games at home, and many games came down to the very last few plays. In the end, the Thunder’s ability to stay calm under pressure and make clutch plays was the main reason they won. Even though Haliburton got injured early in Game 7, the Pacers fought hard. But the Thunder took control in the third quarter with a strong scoring run, eventually winning Game 7 with a score of 103-91.

The journey through the NBA Playoffs was grueling, with the Thunder overcoming formidable opponents in the Western Conference before facing the resilient Pacers. The NBA championship win is a testament to the team’s chemistry, the coaching staff’s strategic brilliance, and the relentless work ethic of every player on the roster. For the city of Oklahoma City, this triumph brings an immense sense of pride and jubilation, marking a new era for the franchise and its dedicated fanbase. The celebration in Oklahoma City is undoubtedly historic, as the community embraces its first major professional sports championship.

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The 2025 NBA Finals gave the basketball season an incredible finale, with the Oklahoma City Thunder winning their first-ever NBA championship. The Pacers vs. Thunder series was ultimately determined by the Thunder’s clutch heroics. On the other hand, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable performance as the finals MVP was evidence of the spirit of competitiveness. This young team’s win signals a change in the NBA’s leadership and promises an exciting future for the league and its new champions.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the 2025 NBA title winners, as they came out victorious against the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 at the Paycom Center. Celebrations were in full swing as the players, staff, and OKC fans rejoiced in this huge moment in the franchise’s history. Thunder star Shai-Gilgeous Alexander was at the helm of their title win.

As everyone was going wild and causing chaos after the title win, there was one person in particular who was left unfazed by the win. That someone was the baby son of Isaiah Hartenstein. Fans observed Hartenstein’s child dozing off on his father’s shoulders on the podium as the Thunder rejoiced, becoming the newest NBA champions.

Not only that, even the NBA 2025 MVP winner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, assisted in raising his head to prevent further sagging. Lisa Salters, an ESPN reporter, spoke with Hartenstein on the platform and inquired about his kid.

I don’t know why he’s asleep right now, but I guess it’s not loud enough. I’m going to need y’all to get louder real quick. Isaiah Hartenstein said

Isaiah Hartenstein’s son is sound asleep. 🤣🤣

pic.twitter.com/tBNYPFdqL0 — Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 23, 2025

The baby was still asleep despite the loud applause and cheers from the fans. Suns star Kevin Durant was also among the many NBA players and fans who responded to the moment by congratulating his old team on their win. It’s important to note that Durant was a former Thunder player and created immense memories with his former franchise.

The Hartenstein family is bound to cherish this moment for years to come, with a heartwarming story to share with their child as he grows up. This celebration may go down as one of the most memorable NBA championship moments highlighting the bond between players and their families.

Fans reacted hilariously to Isaiah Hartenstein’s son slumping off during title celebrations

The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the Finals on Sunday, securing their title as the 2024–25 NBA champions. This is the first championship the Thunder have won since moving from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008. Despite all this, it was Isaiah Hartenstein’s son who made all the headlines for his cute moment with his dad on the podium.

The NBA fanbase did not hold back their feelings and thoughts on this moment as they took to various platforms to open up on this moment. Not only fans, NBA veteran Kevin Durant also took to X as he wrote, “Lil Hartenstein is slumped (laughing emoticons) congrats Okc.” Check out some of the fan reactions to this moment below:

Lil Hartenstein is slumped 😂😂😂 congrats Okc. — Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 23, 2025

hartenstein’s baby is all of us pic.twitter.com/zmepmF3HUU — sarah (@slothanova) June 23, 2025

No worries type of sleep — Kj💔 (@TylerHeroSTAN) June 23, 2025

Big snoozes — JuuGG (@weallhurman) June 23, 2025

That boy out — Kingshagrin (@kingshagrin) June 23, 2025

He knew they’d win after Haliburton got hurt — iO’s World 🌎 #D4L (@DamHesFresh) June 23, 2025

He fell asleep with Shai at the line 😴 😴 pic.twitter.com/UXwJi8fmpk — HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) June 23, 2025

Lil’ hart had one too many. — VeryGeniusPhd (@VeryGeniusPhd) June 23, 2025

W dads holding his head up — ✨Maiya✨👩🏿‍🎓👩🏿‍⚕️🌬 (@MaiyaTheBees) June 23, 2025

On the other hand, the Pacers suffered a devastating loss. To add to their misery, Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ standout point guard, was sidelined for most of the game after suffering what his father claimed was an Achilles injury in the first quarter. Despite sustaining a right calf strain earlier in the series, Haliburton played on Sunday.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the 2025 NBA Finals’ MVP

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was deservingly voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the NBA Finals. Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander is currently the first player to win MVP awards for both the regular-season stretch and the Finals in the same season since LeBron James in the 2012–2013 campaign.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image by FirstSportz)

In addition to James, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Moses Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Willis Reed, the 26-year-old Canadian star is one of just 11 players to have accomplished the accomplishment. In the exciting Game 7 final, Gilgeous-Alexander ended with 29 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds, two blocked shots, and a steal.

This season will go down as the crown jewel of SGA’s NBA career. The Thunder star swept nearly every major honor—NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and the 2025 championship. It’s a year he’ll never forget.

Also Read:

The Oklahoma City Thunder are world champions!

The Thunder closed out the Indiana Pacers with a 103-91 win in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City on Sunday night.

The championship is Oklahoma City’s first professional title in the city’s history.

Here is what to know about what happened in Oklahoma City after the Thunder won the title.

OKC’s Devon Tower lit up in gold to celebrate Thunder championship

Oklahoma’s tallest building joined in the celebratory fun Sunday night, lighting up in gold to honor the Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA championship.

– Ryan Sharp

Shooting near Paycom Center after Thunder title

The Oklahoma City Police department reported a shooting in the 100 block of W Oklahoma City Boulevard around 10:30 p.m. Sunday. The area is near the Paycom Center and Scissortail Park.

Police spokesman Gary Knight said in a news release the shooting stemmed from a fight and there was one person with non-life threatening injuries.

Knight said one person had been detained in relation to the shooting, but that there would be no other information released Sunday night.

– Ryan Sharp

Thunder fans climb poles outside Paycom

After the Thunder won the title, fans took to the streets outside the Paycom Center to celebrate. Fans were seen celebrating on stoplight poles.

– Staff reports

OKC fire department urges celebrating safely

Shortly after the Thunder won the title, the Oklahoma City fire department took to its social media accounts to urge safety in celebrating.

“Enjoy this historic moment — and remember to celebrate safely and responsibly,” OKCFD posted. “Let’s do it the OKC way — with pride and class!”

– Ryan Sharp

OKC fans seeking NBA championship gear

OKC Thunder fans crowded sporting goods stores around the metro to purchase NBA Finals gear.

In addition to stores like Academy and Dick’s Sporting Goods, OKC Thunder merchandise for its 2025 NBA championship can be purchased on Fanatics.

– Cheyenne Derksen

Fans take to the streets outside Fassler Hall

Fassler Hall served as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s official watch party location throughout the playoffs.

On Sunday, after the Thunder secured the title, fans poured out of Fassler Hall and celebrated on the sidewalk as car after car drove by honking their horns in celebration of Oklahoma City‘s first NBA championship.

– Dale Denwalt

Fireworks launch around Oklahoma City metro after Thunder win

Across the Oklahoma City metro area, fireworks could be seen and heard by OKC Thunder fans celebrating the team’s Sunday night championship win.

– Cheyenne Derksen

Oklahoma City announces NBA championship parade

Oklahoma City will celebrate the Thunder’s NBA championships with a parade on Tuesday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m.

The parade will start near The Collective at NW 10 and Harvey. Then go south on Harvey Avenue to NW 5. It will then turn west on NW 5 to Walker Avenue. Then the celebration will go south on Walker Avenue to the OKC Boulevard. Once on the OKC Boulevard, the parade will continue east to Scissortail Park.

The parade will last until around noon Tuesday.

“The day of the parade will forever live in the annals of our city’s history,” Mayor David Holt said in a news release late Sunday.

“It is a celebration of our team’s historic accomplishment and our city’s renaissance. All Thunder fans from across the city, state and world are invited. I encourage all employers and entities in OKC to allow availability for all to attend, to the greatest extent possible. For those attending, please recognize the extraordinary and unprecedented magnitude of the event and expect long periods of time and significant walking for ingress and egress. And for downtown businesses and entities, please recognize that normal operations will not be possible on Tuesday. Let’s Thunder Up, OKC! WE are the champions!”

– Ryan Sharp

Celebrate title with commemorative editions from The Oklahoman

Thunder fans can celebrate their team’s title with our limited edition collectibles.

The Oklahoman’s commemorative editions include:

Own a piece of history with a one-of-a-kind 4-page stadium edition. This is the one held up on the court Sunday night in Oklahoma City!

An 8-page special commemorative edition

The June 24 championship edition of The Oklahoman

Click this link to purchase your commemorative editions.

– Staff reports

Thunder fans turn to a higher power

As the third quarter began, and with the Thunder trailing by one, a group of young fans watching game at Fassler Hall held hands around a table and said a quick, but very hype prayer.

Perhaps it worked?

As the fourth quarter, the Thunder held an 81-68 lead.

– Dale Denwalt

OKC police close Bricktown to incoming traffic

Oklahoma City Police said Sunday they would close Bricktown to incoming traffic toward the end of Game 7. Officers said they would only allow vehicles to leave the area.

OKC Police said Sunday afternoon on social media that the decision to close Bricktown to incoming traffic is meant to “keep Game 7 safe and smooth for everyone.”

– Staff reports

Latest OKC Thunder news in NBA Finals