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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.

Texan wins NPFL tournament
A: Main, news
Texan wins NPFL tournament
By JUSTIN BROUILLARD 
June 25, 2025
After a storm-delayed start, the 2025 National Professional Fishing League Stop Four ended with fireworks. Texas pro Chad Marler stole the show on Finale Friday with a clutch 17-pound, 11-ounce bag, a...
A: Main, news
City Manager implements new core values
June 25, 2025
City Manager Jacob Foos has announced the implementation of a new set of core values designed to guide employee behavior, enhance public trust, and ensure exceptional service delivery for the City of ...
A: Main, news
Woman barefooted and pulling toy wagon fights officer
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 25, 2025
A barefooted 23-year-old Oktaha woman who was walking near I-40 pulling a toy wagon missing its front wheels has been arrested for assault and battery on a police officer, conspiracy to perform an act...
When death steals a first-class friend
A: Main, news
When death steals a first-class friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
June 25, 2025
I may have been the last person— other than her murderer—to talk to Selby Minner before her murder on Monday, June 9. She and I planned to meet that day, but when we talked by phone around 4:30 p.m., ...
A: Main, news
Minor leads lawmen on wild chase
June 25, 2025
A juvenile driving a stolen 2020 white Jeep Compass led lawmen on a chase that exceeded 110 miles per hour on U.S. 69 shortly after midnight on Friday, June 20. After the Eufaula Police Department was...
A: Main, news
Ex Pittsburg County jailer charged with attempting to rob Lakeside Pharmacy
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 25, 2025
A former Pittsburg County jailer, who was named a Detention Officer of the Year in 2024, has been arrested and charged with attempted robbery with a weapon and child neglect. Jose Kirkes, 33, of McAle...
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Smelser to become county treasurer July 1
A: Main, news
Smelser to become county treasurer July 1
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 25, 2025
Kimberly Smelser has been first deputy in the McIntosh County Treasurer’s Office since January 2021. On Tuesday, July 1, she will become county treasurer, replacing Betty Whisenhunt, whose final day i...
Sweet girl
A: Main, news
Sweet girl
June 25, 2025
This sweet girl is looking for her family or a new family. Call Jan Pipkins at 918-617-1562 for more information.
Texanna Lady Crafters
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Texanna Lady Crafters
By HELEN TREMAIN 
June 25, 2025
TLC continues to grow and add new members. Fresh ideas come with new crafters and unique crafting products for our store.This is in part due to the donations we receive from Eufaula and surrounding co...
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Library News
By AMANDA GRANTHAM BRANCH MANAGER 
June 25, 2025
We are already halfway through our Summer Reading Program and have many fun things planned for the second half. Join us at the library! We have Summer Reading calendars available at the circulation de...
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McAlester man drowns
June 25, 2025
Authorities reported that Arturo Villegas-Rodriguez, 23, of McAlester, drowned on Lake Eufaula shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday. The Marine Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety is in...
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