Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton | Source: Getty Images
Oklahoma City Thunder Defeat Indiana Pacers in NBA Finals After Tyrese Haliburton Injury
The Oklahoma City Thunder claimed their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle, overcoming the Indiana Pacers in a decisive Game 7 that turned after a devastating injury to Tyrese Haliburton.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder closed out the NBA Finals on Sunday with a 103–91 victory over the Indiana Pacers, capping a 68-win season and securing the franchise's first-ever title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008.
Indiana, already battling as underdogs, lost All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton in the first quarter to a leg injury. Haliburton had scored nine quick points, hitting three early 3-pointers, before collapsing to the floor while clutching his right leg. His father later revealed that the injury involved his Achilles tendon.
Haliburton was helped off the court and did not return. Despite holding a one-point lead at halftime, the Pacers struggled without their star player.
Oklahoma City took control in the second half behind MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all scorers with 29 points and added 12 assists, five rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. He was named Finals MVP.
Indiana fought to stay competitive, trimming a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but the absence of their floor general ultimately proved too much to overcome.
