Thunder Reign Supreme in Historic 2024-25 NBA Season

Oklahoma City’s Young Core Captures Championship, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Crowned Finals MVP

The Oklahoma City Thunder etched their name in NBA history, clinching the 2025 championship as the second-youngest team ever to achieve the feat. Led by a masterful performance from Kia MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder navigated a season of significant offseason moves and thrilling competition.

Thunder’s Youthful Dominance

With an average age of 25.2, the Thunder bested only the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers (24.2) in championship youth. Their triumph was fueled by the emergence of young stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, complemented by the shrewd additions of veteran guard Alex Caruso and center Isaiah Hartenstein.

Offseason Shakeups Reshape the League

The league saw a flurry of activity prior to the season. The Philadelphia 76ers bolstered their roster by signing Paul George to a lucrative five-year deal, forming a formidable trio with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Detroit Pistons acquired Tim Hardaway Jr., while the New Orleans Pelicans traded for Dejounte Murray. The New York Knicks made headlines by acquiring Mikal Bridges and later Karl-Anthony Towns in major deals.

Warriors Era Ends, Mavericks Acquire Hardaway Jr.

The Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson parted ways after a storied fourteen-season run. Thompson was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson in a landmark six-team transaction. The Sacramento Kings added veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan, and Russell Westbrook found a new home with the Los Angeles Clippers before being bought out and joining the Denver Nuggets.

NBA Cup Delivers Mid-Season Excitement

The second annual NBA Cup captivated fans on November 12, featuring all 30 teams. Group play games contributed to the regular season standings, culminating in a knockout stage. The Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious, with Giannis Antetokounmpo earning In-Season Tournament MVP honors. He was joined on the All-Tournament team by Gilgeous-Alexander, Damian Lillard, Alperen Sengun, and Trae Young.

Scoring Milestones and Record-Breaking Performances

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring, averaging 32.7 points per game. The season also witnessed spectacular individual scoring displays, including Nikola Jokic‘s 61-point effort on April Fools’ Day, a feat matched by only four other players in NBA history. De’Aaron Fox also posted a 60-point game, while Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded back-to-back 50-point games for his franchise.

Blockbuster Trade Deadline Deals

The trade deadline saw the league’s first mid-season exchange of two reigning All-NBA players, as the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks for Anthony Davis. Other significant moves included the San Antonio Spurs acquiring De’Aaron Fox, the Warriors adding Jimmy Butler, and the Cavaliers securing De’Andre Hunter.

All-Star Weekend Celebrates Talent and Innovation

San Francisco hosted the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, an event that saw LeBron James make a record 21st appearance. Rookies like Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama also debuted. The All-Star Game featured a new format with four teams competing for a $1.8 million prize pool. Shaquille O’Neal‘s team, the OG’s, ultimately claimed victory.

League Awards Highlight Top Performers

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander capped his stellar season by winning the Kia Most Valuable Player award. Evan Mobley earned Defensive Player of the Year, while Stephon Castle secured Rookie of the Year, marking consecutive wins for the San Antonio Spurs. Dyson Daniels was named Most Improved Player, and Payton Pritchard took home Sixth Man of the Year.

Play-In Tournament Sets the Stage for Playoffs

The SoFi Play-In Tournament determined the final playoff spots, with the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat advancing from the East, and the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies securing berths from the West. The Warriors and Grizzlies ultimately advanced through the play-in.

Intense Playoff Battles Culminate in Finals Showdown

Injuries plagued several star players during the postseason, including Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, and Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered torn Achilles tendons. The top-seeded Thunder dominated the Western Conference playoffs, reaching their first NBA Finals since 2012. The Indiana Pacers, a surprise contender, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

In the West, the Thunder overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, with Gilgeous-Alexander earning Western Conference Finals MVP honors. The Pacers bested the Knicks in six games to secure their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. The NBA Finals went down to the wire, with the Thunder ultimately defeating the Pacers in a thrilling Game 7, 103-91, to claim their first championship in Oklahoma City.

2025 NBA Playoffs Results

SoFi Play-In Tournament

Eastern Conference: Orlando Magic defeated Atlanta Hawks; Miami Heat defeated Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks.

Western Conference: Golden State Warriors defeated Memphis Grizzlies; Dallas Mavericks defeated Sacramento Kings; Memphis Grizzlies defeated Dallas Mavericks.

Playoffs

Eastern Conference First Round: Cavaliers def. Heat (4-0); Pacers def. Bucks (4-1); Knicks def. Pistons (4-2); Celtics def. Magic (4-1).

Western Conference First Round: Thunder def. Grizzlies (4-0); Nuggets def. Clippers (4-3); Timberwolves def. Lakers (4-1); Warriors def. Rockets (4-3).

Eastern Conference Semifinals: Pacers def. Cavaliers (4-1); Knicks def. Celtics (4-2).

Western Conference Semifinals: Thunder def. Nuggets (4-3); Timberwolves def. Warriors (4-1).

Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers def. Knicks (4-2).

Western Conference Finals: Thunder def. Timberwolves (4-1).

NBA Finals: Thunder def. Pacers (4-3).

2024-25 Season Leaders

Points: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.7 PPG); Assists: Trae Young (11.6 APG); Rebounds: Domantas Sabonis (13.9 RPG); Steals: Dyson Daniels (3 SPG); Blocks: Victor Wembanyama (3.8 BPG); FG%: Jarrett Allen (70.6%); FT%: Stephen Curry (93.3%); 3PT%: Seth Curry (45.6%).

2025 Award Winners