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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.

Locks of love
A: Main, news
Locks of love
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
February 11, 2026
Many people drive right past it without even knowing it’s there. Just off the path at Lake Eufaula State Park, a small fountain bubbles, almost unnoticed. But stop for a moment and you’ll see what’s r...
2026 BLACK HISTORY MONTH THEME: A CENTURY OF BLACK HISTORYCOMMEMORATIONS
A: Main, news
2026 BLACK HISTORY MONTH THEME: A CENTURY OF BLACK HISTORYCOMMEMORATIONS
By ALMA HARPER GARDENIA ART FEDERATED CLUB 
February 11, 2026
February is known as Black History Month. Black History Month started as Negro Histry Week by Carter G. Wo o d s o n in 1826. Dr. Woodson was c onc e r ne d that the contributions of Black Americans w...
A: Main, news
Lake Eufaula Association announces the 5th annual Green Run
February 11, 2026
The Lake Eufaula Association is excited to announc e the 5th Annual Green Run, happening Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Lake Eufaula Pavilion. This lively St. Patrick’s–themed event features a USATF...
NFL and Checotah great Tracy Scroggins passes
A: Main, news
NFL and Checotah great Tracy Scroggins passes
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
February 11, 2026
Tracy Scroggins, a standout defensive end and linebacker for the Detroit Lions, and a beloved figure in eastern Oklahoma football, passed away last week in Florida at the age of 56. Born September 11,...
Eufaula first-grader honored for courage after saving mother’s life
A: Main, news
Eufaula first-grader honored for courage after saving mother’s life
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
February 11, 2026
Seven-year-old Brynleigh Anderson is being celebrated as a hometown hero after her quick thinking and calm actions helped save her mother’s life during a medical emergency on Interstate 40 near Checot...
Kay Foley Owens to speak to Eufaula Heritage
news
Kay Foley Owens to speak to Eufaula Heritage
By LENORE BECHTEL 
February 11, 2026
A nostalgic trip to Eufaula’s past will be the topic at the 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, meeting of the Friends of the Eufaula Memorial Library. Kay Foley Owens will share notes taken by her father, Marsha...
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Abner Haynes
By By Michael Barnes 
February 11, 2026
The year was 1965. The American Football League had gathered its best athletes in New Orleans for the All-Star Game, an event meant to celebrate the league’s rising prominence and its brightest stars....
January Students of the Month – Eufaula Middle School
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January Students of the Month – Eufaula Middle School
By 6th GRADE 
February 11, 2026
Wrigley Morris is the daughter of Lindsey and John Morris. Her favorite class is softball, and her future plans are to become a Chiropractor. Cooper Holmes is the son of Misty and Jeremy Holmes. His f...
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Eufaula Local Livestock Show and Premium Sale set for Feb. 14
February 11, 2026
The Eufaula Local Livestock Show and Premium Sale will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, at the McIntosh County Fairgrounds. The livestock show will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the premium dinner at 5:30 p....
Dreams come true for Freedom House ladies
news
Dreams come true for Freedom House ladies
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
February 11, 2026
Dreams really do come true according to Debbie Brooks, the Education Coordinator with Adult Teen Challenge Freedom House, who had always wanted to meet Lisa Harper, a Christian, Bible educator and spe...
Session is off to the Races
commentary
Session is off to the Races
By REPRESENTATIVE NEIL HAYS 
February 11, 2026
It has already been a strong start to the legislative season. Feb. 2 marked the start of the Second Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. The opening day included a joint session of the Oklahoma H...
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