logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
OKC Thunder captures first NBA title in electrifying Game 7
B:, sports
June 25, 2025
OKC Thunder captures first NBA title in electrifying Game 7
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

The drought is over. The Oklahoma City Thunder are NBA champions.

With a deafening home crowd roaring behind them, the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 Sunday night in Game 7, clinching the franchise’s first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008—and the city’s first major professional sports championship.

Once again, the Thunder leaned on the poise and firepower of their young core. Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 29 points and delivered 12 assists, while Jalen Williams added 20 points and Chet Holmgren delivered 18 points, eight boards and a towering defensive presence. Thunder fans, stamping in unison with every big play, watched history unfold inside a roaring Paycom Center.

Indiana landed the first blow behind All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who sank three early three-pointers. But heartbreak followed: midway through the first quarter, Haliburton crumpled on a drive without contact, slapping the hardwood in visible pain. He was ruled out with a lower leg injury, and the Pacers never fully recovered.

Still, Indiana scrapped. TJ McConnell logged 16 points and six assists off the bench, but fatigue and seven costly turnovers haunted him in extended minutes. The first half featured 11 lead changes and nine ties, with the Pacers leading by one at the break.

Then came the avalanche.

The Thunder unleashed a third-quarter blitz, outscoring Indiana 34-20 as Gilgeous- Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams buried backto- back-to-back threes in a 9-0 run that broke a 56-56 tie. Veteran Alex Caruso added his signature grit and spacing, knocking down early threes and helping to stretch the floor for OKC’s young stars.

By the start of the fourth, the Thunder led 81-68—and they weren’t letting go. Indiana made one last push behind Bennedict Mathurin, slicing the lead to 12 with under five minutes to play. But Gilgeous-Alexander answered with free throws after drawing a crucial foul, extending the lead to 14. A missed layup from McConnell over Holmgren’s long reach sealed the deal.

When the final horn sounded, blue and orange confetti rained down, and a generation of OKC fans erupted in joy. Gilgeous-Alexander, whose brilliance carried the Thunder all season, was named Finals MVP, capping a dazzling campaign for the 26-year-old Canadian star.

From near the bottom to the mountaintop, the Thunder’s rebuild has reached its triumphant climax. And Oklahoma City? It’s a championship city at last.

Texanna Lady Crafters
A: Main, lifestyle
Texanna Lady Crafters
By Shauna 
February 27, 2026
The Texana Lady Crafters are more than a shop. They are a dedicated group of volunteers who pour their time and talent into handcrafted treasures, including baby quilts, handbags, wreaths, floral arra...
Coffee With the Chiefs first of community discussions
A: Main, news
Coffee With the Chiefs first of community discussions
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
February 25, 2026
Residents gathered for Coffee with the Chiefs on Monday, Feb. 23 at City Hall for an open discussion about public safety, training, equipment and the future of services in Eufaula. The informal meetin...
Escaped convict
A: Main, news
Escaped convict
February 25, 2026
As of press time, Local and state authorities are on the lookout for an escaped inmate from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester. Robey Butler allegedly walked away from the facility la...
2026 National Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
A: Main, news
2026 National Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
By ALMA HARPER GARDENIA ART FEDERATED CLUB 
February 25, 2026
The sit-ins The Sit-In movement was a nonviolent movement of the United Civil Rights era. The sit-in, an act of civil disobedience, was a tactic that aroused sympathy for demonstrators among moderates...
Morning Rescue inspired by Paws N Claws pup
A: Main, news
Morning Rescue inspired by Paws N Claws pup
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
February 25, 2026
Paws N Claws started their meager rescue efforts to save the local pound pups on January 26, 2024. Some of the first dogs ever adopted went out of state and one very lucky pup was adopted by Brad Shro...
Local students show their true passion at the Eufaula Livestock Show
A: Main, news
Local students show their true passion at the Eufaula Livestock Show
February 25, 2026
Local students were recognized for their work in the barn and in the show ring during the 2026 Eufaula Local Livestock Show and Premium Sale on Feb. 14, where exhibitors competed for top honors across...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Chamber blood drive a success
A: Main, news
Chamber blood drive a success
February 25, 2026
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a community blood drive Monday, Feb. 23, at the Chamber office in Eufaula. The drive was conducted in partnership with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, which p...
A Food Pantry guided by faith and experience
A: Main, news
A Food Pantry guided by faith and experience
February 25, 2026
Just east of Highway 69 on Texanna Road sits a single building that houses Thimbles N Thread Quilt Shop, owned by LaDonna McKay. The fabric and quilting shop is bright, colorful, and welcoming. Bright...
Night to Shine, Part II: Where the celebration comes home
news
Night to Shine, Part II: Where the celebration comes home
February 25, 2026
After the music faded at Night to Shine and the final crowns were placed, the celebration cont i nued quietly — following a group of guests home to Pioneer Campus. Just hours before, on February 13 — ...
Free tax preparation available
Community Calendar, lifestyle, news
Free tax preparation available
February 25, 2026
Free tax preparation service is being offered by the AARP Foundation beginning Feb. 14 and continuing through April 11. The service will be available on Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eufaula C...
ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEMINAR
news
ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEMINAR
February 25, 2026
Saturday, February 28 at 11 a.m. Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church 413665 E. 1080 Rd., Checotah, OK Rev. Samuel Cunningham, Pastor Sponsored by the Warrior School Restoration Organization Inc. Alma Harper...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy