The Thunder's dream season ends as they fall to the Pacers in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's effort wasn't enough. Recap the final game.
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The confetti fell in Indianapolis, but it wasn't for the team in blue. The Oklahoma City Thunder's magical 2024-25 season came to a heartbreaking end Wednesday night, as they fell to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Despite a valiant effort led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder couldn't overcome a relentless Pacers squad on their home floor, ending a run that captivated a city and put the league on notice.
'We believed in each other all year. We'll use this as fuel for next season.' - Coach Mark Daigneault
Game 6 was a microcosm of the entire series: a gritty, back-and-forth affair where every possession felt monumental. The Thunder battled, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again leading the scoring charge and Jalen Williams providing clutch buckets and assists. The team shot a respectable 48% from the field and collected 44 rebounds, but it wasn't enough. A tight third quarter gave way to a tense fourth, where Indiana's clutch free-throw shooting sealed OKC's fate. While the starters fought tooth and nail, the Thunder's bench, a source of strength all postseason, struggled to match the energy of the Pacers' reserves in the decisive game.
While the sting of a Finals loss is fresh, it's impossible to view this season as anything but a monumental success. The Thunder didn't just win; they dominated, setting a new franchise record with an incredible 68-14 regular season. They stormed through the Western Conference playoffs, proving their young core is more than ready for the spotlight. Coach Mark Daigneault masterfully guided this group, fostering a culture of resilience and growth that was on full display every night. The team's post-loss statement thanking the fans echoed this sentiment, celebrating the journey over the destination.
The moment the final buzzer sounded, the clock started on the 2025-26 season. With the entire core of SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren healthy and under contract, the Thunder are poised to return to this stage. The players' social media was filled not with despair, but with determination. 'Proud of this group. We'll be back,' SGA posted, a sentiment echoed by his teammates. Coach Daigneault's postgame presser was a masterclass in perspective, emphasizing that this painful experience will serve as 'fuel' for what comes next. While offseason questions about roster tweaks and draft strategy will soon swirl, the foundation is set. This isn't an ending; it's a launching point.
The loss hurts, there's no denying it. But as the dust settles on a phenomenal season, one feeling rises above the disappointment: pride. Pride in a team that shattered expectations, and hope for a future that looks brighter than ever. The Thunder got a taste of the Finals, and now they're hungry for the whole meal. Rest up, OKC. The hunt for the 2026 title has already begun.
