Summary of "Oklahoma City Thunder Win 2025 NBA Finals" Episode of The Athletic NBA Daily

Release Date: June 23, 2025
Host/Authors: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni
Episode Title: Oklahoma City Thunder Win 2025 NBA Finals

Introduction

In this landmark episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder's historic victory in the 2025 NBA Finals. Dropping on June 23, 2025, the episode delves deep into the Thunder's exceptional season, their path to the championship, standout player performances, and reflections on the team's future.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Historic Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder concluded the 2024-2025 NBA season with an unprecedented record, 84 total wins, including 68 regular-season victories—tying them with the third-most wins in NBA history. This remarkable achievement positioned them as the favorites not only entering the playoffs but also the Finals.

Key Highlights:

• Season Record: 84 wins (68 regular season).
• Historical Significance: Tied for the third-most wins in NBA history.
• Champion Status: Secured the championship in a dramatic seven-game Finals series.

Notable Quote:

"Big, big, big night for us. The end of our season. The end of the year. Congratulations to the Oklahoma City Thunder on finishing off one of the best team seasons in NBA history."
— Dave DuFour [02:08]

Path to the Championship

The Thunder's journey was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. Despite being favorites, the Finals extended to seven games, showcasing the team's ability to overcome adversity.

Key Points:

• Playoff Performance: Dominant presence throughout the playoffs, culminating in a Game 7 showdown.
• Final Series: Secured the championship in a tightly contested seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets.

Notable Quote:

"They were the best team all year long. They were the favorites coming into the playoffs. They were the favorites coming into the finals. Nobody really expected it to go seven, but they finished the job."
— Dave DuFour [02:08]

Standout Player Performances

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)

SGA emerged as the linchpin of the Thunder's success, earning the Finals MVP and leading the team with exceptional scoring and leadership.

Highlights:

• Finals MVP: Dominated both offensively and defensively.
• Game Changer: Demonstrated growth by managing turnovers and enhancing playmaking abilities.
• Leadership: Displayed humility and team-first mentality, contributing significantly to team chemistry.

Notable Quotes:

"What a response from him because he had eight turnovers in Game 6. And the way he responded tonight with the way that he was making plays... that's the growth from SGA that you want as he progresses."
— Dave DuFour [06:02]

"He absolutely deserves this Finals MVP and not just for himself but for how he elevated the entire team."
— Esfandiar Baraheni [28:57]

Chet Holmgren

Holmgren's defensive prowess was pivotal in the Finals, with multiple blocks and shot alterations that stifled the opposition.

Highlights:

• Defensive Mastery: Recorded five blocks and numerous shot deterrents.
• Versatility: Showcased versatility by improving his three-point shooting and mid-range game.
• Future Potential: Positioned as a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year.

Notable Quote:

"Chet probably would have won Defensive Player of the Year. It was either him or Victor Wembanyama if he didn't."
— Dave DuFour [11:26]

T.J. McConnell

McConnell delivered a clutch performance in Game 7, proving to be an invaluable asset in high-pressure situations.

Highlights:

• Clutch Plays: His ability to score under pressure was a decisive factor in the Finals.
• Defensive Contribution: Acted as a "master class" defender in critical moments.

Notable Quote:

"Dude, I didn't think I would ever say that my life. T.J. McConnell got trapped at half court in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. That's a real sentence. Incredible."
— Dave DuFour [05:00]

Analysis of Game 7

Game 7 of the NBA Finals was a testament to the Thunder's exceptional defense and strategic execution. The second half saw the Thunder lock down their opponents, leading to a decisive victory.

Key Points:

• Defensive Strategy: Implemented traps and strategic switches to neutralize key players.
• Momentum Shifts: Thunder overcame a 21-point deficit, highlighted by a 34-23 run in the fourth quarter.
• Team Effort: Offensively, the Thunder relied heavily on SGA and Holmgren to drive the game.

Notable Quote:

"This was a master class, I thought, defensively in the second half for them."
— Dave DuFour [04:21]

Team Composure and Celebration

The Thunder exhibited remarkable composure upon securing the championship. Their subdued celebration reflected the team's professionalism and humility despite the monumental achievement.

Key Observations:

• Player Demeanor: Players were cool, calm, and collected, with limited overt displays of emotion.
• Celebration Mood: Unlike typical exuberant celebrations, the Thunder maintained a low-key demeanor, focusing on team unity.

Notable Quotes:

"They just are very cool, calm and collected."
— Dave DuFour [09:13]

"It feels very surreal to be in this building with confetti everywhere and people not telling me I can't go places because I'm just going everywhere."
— Dave DuFour [24:06]

Indiana Pacers' Resilience and Challenges

While celebrating the Thunder's victory, hosts also reflected on the Indiana Pacers' valiant effort throughout the Finals, marred by Tyrese Halberton's devastating injury.

Key Points:

• Halberton's Injury: Suffered a presumed torn Achilles in Game 7, impacting the Pacers' performance.
• Team Resilience: Despite the injury, the Pacers demonstrated remarkable grit, maintaining competitiveness throughout the series.
• Future Implications: The injury raises questions about the Pacers' strategies moving forward and their ability to remain competitive without Halberton.

Notable Quotes:

"I still feel that way to watch the Halliburton highlight and... it's hard to believe that this actually happened in Oklahoma City."
— Zena Keita [15:06]

"The fact that they got to game seven and how resilient they were even with injuries is a testament to how great this team is."
— Dave DuFour [16:09]

Hosts' Reflections and Closing Remarks

The hosts expressed their admiration for the Thunder's exceptional season and the meaningful moments shared throughout the year. They also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes efforts that contributed to the podcast's success.

Key Points:

• Season Highlights: Celebrated the Thunder's journey and the overall excitement of the NBA season.
• Team Acknowledgment: Thanked producers, executives, and other team members for their hard work.
• Looking Ahead: Teased upcoming content, including draft coverage and summer league insights.

Notable Quotes:

"When you think about, like, what this team has put into this year and what they started this rebuild and hoped that something like this could eventually happen... Presley’s finally got the monkey off his back."
— Dave DuFour [26:29]

"It's a joy to be on a team with you guys. I sincerely think that you three are the best and I'm grateful for you guys."
— Dave DuFour [35:04]

Conclusion

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily provided a comprehensive and heartfelt recap of the Oklahoma City Thunder's triumphant 2025 NBA Finals run. Through detailed analysis, player spotlights, and genuine reflections, the hosts captured the essence of what made this season unforgettable for the Thunder and their fans alike.

Note: Timestamps in the quotes correspond to the transcript provided, ensuring accurate attribution to the respective speakers.