They will not have been the most viewed finals in history … but what ends! Shai, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and company have managed to give OKC what Durant, Westbrook y Harden They did not achieve 13 years ago. A milestone and a team that is already part of the history of the best league in the world.
In a seventh game marked by Haliburton injurythe Pacers endured as far as they could. A third spectacular quarter of the Thunder (34-20) He declined the balance for OKC and crowned those of Mark Daigneault as new NBA champions (103-91).
Haliburton's blow and initial tension
The beginning was electric. Tyrese Haliburton It came on, noting three triples in five minutes that advanced some paers without complexes. But the tragedy came quickly: the base, with previous discomfort in the twin, He was seriously injured when trying a penetration against Shai. The fall, his shout of pain and the image of his kneeling companions by his side marked the game. In fact, the lesion of the Pacers star who as his father confirmed, The Achilles tendon fractured. The injury would be a hard blow to Indiana's They can run out of their star for next season.
The stadium, amendedhe fired with an ovation to 'Hali', who left the parquet without supporting the leg and with his face covered by a towel.
Despite the mood, Indiana remained firm in a very physical and locked room. Shim Kderó down to Oklahoma (9 points), while Maururin y e esi. They responded by the Pacers. The first partial closed with Local advantage: 25-22.
Indiana did not lower his head
Los Thunder collapsed in attack during the second quarter. The Daigneault team, surpassed by the nerves and its outer mistake (4 of 18 in triples to rest), he showed slow, without rhythm and predictable. The pressure of a team could be felt that, after Haliburton's injury, had closer than ever the title.
Indiana, without its leader, He appealed to the collective: NEMBHARD, McConnell Y Siakam They assumed responsibilities, and the defense contained the rush of Shai, who still finished the first half with 16 points and 7 assists.
The key moment came with a Triple on Nembhard's horn that put the Pacers Ahead to break (47-48). An admirable deed for a team that many gave for liquidated after the injury of their star.
Oklahoma imposed his law
The break was a total transformation in the Thunder. They left the costumes with the knife between the teeth: aggressive defense, intensity in the offensive rebound and better ball circulation. Shai, Holmgren y Williams They turned to the score, while Caruso and Dort sowed the chaos in defense. The partial was overwhelming: 34-20 In the third period.
Rick Carlisle asked for three dead times In the room to try to stop the bleeding, but it was in vain. Oklahoma reached the +13 (81-68) At the end of the third quarter, forcing 8 ball losses and scoring 5 triples in that period. McConnell (12 points in the room, 10 of them consecutively) He was the only one who resisted from Indiana, who began to show signs of exhaustion.
A last quarter of calm and control
With the title on the horizon, the Thunder played intelligently. Shai managed each possessionHolmgren intimidated near the hoop and The defense did not loosen. Although Indiana tried to react with Mathurin (24 points and 13 rebounds) y Siakamthe damage was already done. Oklahoma administered the advantage, endured some moments of pressure, and ended by close the game with solidity and temperlike a veteran team. Caruso, Wallace y Hartenstein They were key from the bench to maintain energy and close the hoop in the final minutes.
OKC was proclaimed champion for the first time with one of the youngest teams in history. A milestone that was not recorded from the Portland Trail Blazers of 1977.
Shai, MVP of everything
Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderafter one MVP regular seasonhe leaded again to the Thunder, also taking the MVP of the finals Thanks to its 29 points, 5 rebounds and 12 assistscrowning a year of dream.
Next to him, the young people Jalen Williams (20 points) y Chet Holmgren (18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 caps) They completed a 'Big Three' of present and future. The defense, one of the pillars of the team, was again suffocating: 14 robberies, 8 caps and 23 losses caused to the Pacers, who translated into 32 points in favor.
Are the Thunder the next NBA dynasty?
This title is the result of a meticulous project led by I cross myselfwhich has not only armed a fearsome template, but still Keep a mountain of draft elections.
With a young nucleus, talent and a fierce mentality in defense, Oklahoma can mark an era in the NBA. This year could be just the beginning. Not forgetting The large number of picks which has a franchise that has come to stay for many years in the NBA elite.
