BREAKING: Alex Caruso and OKC Thunder Clinch 2025 NBA Championship in Epic Game 7 Showdown
By Jalen Mercer | Senior NBA Writer | June 23, 2025
Oklahoma City, OK — In a heart-stopping Game 7 that will live forever in NBA lore, the Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their first NBA championship since 1979, defeating the heavily favored Boston Celtics 104–101 in a packed Paycom Center that roared with history and heart. At the center of the chaos and glory stood an unlikely hero: Alex Caruso, the veteran guard whose grit, defense, and leadership proved to be the difference-maker in the Finals.
Caruso, often hailed as one of the NBA’s most cerebral defenders, turned in a legendary two-way performance, finishing Game 7 with 17 points, 6 assists, 4 steals, and a game-saving block in the final seconds on Celtics star Jayson Tatum. His relentless pressure, court awareness, and hustle were instrumental in disrupting Boston’s rhythm throughout the series.
> “I’ve been waiting my whole career for this moment,” Caruso said postgame, holding back tears. “To do it with this group, this city, and against that team—it’s everything.”
This win marks a stunning peak in OKC’s rebuilding arc, a process once dismissed as too long, too young, too raw. But under the vision of GM Sam Presti and the coaching of Mark Daigneault, the Thunder built a championship roster around young superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named Finals MVP after averaging 28.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game in the series.
Caruso, signed in the 2024 offseason to provide veteran leadership and defensive toughness, was seen as a role player. But by Game 7, he was a catalyst. In a moment that symbolized the Thunder’s fight and identity, Caruso dove for a loose ball with 34 seconds remaining, securing a critical possession and ultimately drawing a foul to give OKC a three-point cushion.
The championship run included OKC taking down the Nuggets in a grueling seven-game Western Conference Finals, and rallying from a 3–2 deficit against Boston in the Finals.
> “This group is unselfish. They’re fearless,” said Daigneault. “And Caruso? He’s our heart and spine. This championship doesn’t happen without him.”
Boston, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, fought valiantly and came within one possession of forcing overtime, but OKC’s swarming defense and clutch free throws from Chet Holmgren and SGA sealed the win.
The Thunder’s victory parade is set for Thursday, and it’s already being dubbed “The Rise of the Storm” in Oklahoma sports circles.
At 30 years old, Caruso now adds “NBA Champion” to a resume that includes All-Defensive Team honors, fan-favorite status across the league, and an underdog journey from undrafted to unforgettable.
And for a team once defined by potential, the Thunder have officially arrived—with a title, a legacy, and a bald eagle soaring at its heart.
Oklahoma City: Your Thunder are champions.
