Jun 16, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) brings the ball up court against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the third quarter in game five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Sends Heartfelt Message to Thunder, Tyrese Haliburton After Finals

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 12:26 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder joined NBA history on Sunday night, beating the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Finals to win their first championship since moving from Seattle. The Thunder finished their 2024-25 campaign with 84 wins, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for the third most in a single season.

The Thunder dominated opponents all season, but the Pacers certainly gave them a run for their money in the Finals. Many people expected the Thunder to easily handle the Pacers, as Indiana forcing a Game 7 and coming just one win away from a championship is an impressive feat.

Most wins in a single season in NBA history (including playoffs):

1. '16 Warriors - 88
2. '96 Bulls - 87 (champs)
T-3. '25 Thunder - 84 (champs)
T-3. '97 Bulls - 84 (champs)
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 23, 2025

Of course, the Pacers' Game 7 attempt was cut short by an early scare from star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered an Achilles injury just seven minutes into Sunday's game. In those seven minutes, Haliburton took the game over, dropping nine points on 3-4 shooting from deep, but that injury came at the absolute worst time for a desperate Pacers team.

Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

San Antonio Spurs legend and Hall of Fame guard Manu Ginobili took to social media after Game 7 to congratulate the Thunder and send a message to Tyrese Haliburton.

Via Manu Ginobili: "Congrats OKC on an amazing season! Well deserved NBA Champ!! Massive respect to the Pacers for being the ultimate example of resilience and courage.
Lastly, I wish all the best to Haliburton on his recovery. Very sad to see him going down like that."

Congrats OKC on an amazing season! Well deserved NBA Champ!!
Massive respect to the Pacers for being the ultimate example of resilience and courage.
Lastly, I wish all the best to Haliburton on his recovery. Very sad to see him going down like that.
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) June 23, 2025

Of course, Haliburton's injury was as unfortunate as it gets, but the Thunder still deserved a championship, and Ginobili did a great job of recognizing both sides.

This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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