The Indiana Pacers defeat the OKC Thunder in Game 7 on June 22, 2025, to win their first NBA title! See how Haliburton & Turner led the historic road win.
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
They did it. In the most hostile environment, under the brightest lights, the Indiana Pacers have reached the NBA's summit. With a gutsy, definitive Game 7 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on their home court, the Pacers have won the first NBA Championship in franchise history, silencing the Paycom Center and sending a tidal wave of joy across the state of Indiana.
'This group never stopped believing. Every guy stepped up when it mattered most. This is for Indiana.' - Rick Carlisle
It was a classic Game 7 slugfest, but the Pacers' resilience shone through. On the road, facing a deafening OKC crowd, Indiana never flinched. Tyrese Haliburton was the master conductor, orchestrating the offense with precision and poise, ensuring the ball moved and his teammates got high-quality looks. As the game tightened in the final minutes, it was Myles Turner who slammed the door shut, first with a thunderous dunk and then by calmly sinking clutch free throws to seal the historic victory. Crucially, the Pacers' bench provided a massive spark, outplaying their counterparts and giving the starters the support they needed to finish the job.
This title was built on the backs of its stars. Tyrese Haliburton, the catalyst all season, delivered a championship-worthy performance, cementing his status as one of the league's elite point guards. His emotional social media post captured the moment perfectly: 'We did it, Indiana!' Myles Turner, the team's veteran heart and soul, was the anchor on both ends of the floor, and his late-game heroics were the final brushstrokes on a masterpiece. With the entire roster healthy and available, Coach Rick Carlisle had all his weapons at his disposal, and his two leaders delivered in the biggest moment of their careers.
This isn't just one win; it's a franchise-altering moment. Decades of close calls and what-ifs have been erased. The Indiana Pacers are no longer just a competitive team; they are champions. In his postgame press conference, a vindicated Rick Carlisle praised the collective effort, emphasizing that this was a total team victory. This championship run rewrites the history books, establishes a new winning culture, and etches the names of Haliburton, Turner, and the entire 2024-25 roster into Indiana sports immortality.
The confetti has fallen in Oklahoma City, but the real celebration is just beginning. The Larry O'Brien Trophy is coming to Indianapolis. Get ready for a parade, Indiana, because your champions are finally coming home. The long, agonizing wait is over, and the golden era of Pacers basketball has officially begun.
