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OKC Thunder captures first NBA title in electrifying Game 7
B:, Sports
June 26, 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.

Christmas classics shine in counties lighted parades
A: Main, News...
Christmas classics shine in counties lighted parades
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
December 11, 2025
Streets were packed down Broadway in Checotah and Main Street in Eufaula as lights sparkled with holiday magic and the county kicked off the holiday season with two annual Lighted Christmas Parades. B...
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Shop with a Cop Dec. 105 11,12
A: Main, lifestyle...
Shop with a Cop Dec. 105 11,12
December 11, 2025
The 12th Annual McIntosh County Law Enforcement Shop with a COP event will take place this week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Law enforcement officers, in partnership with school districts, will ...
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Driver killed after hitting deer
A: Main, News...
Driver killed after hitting deer
December 11, 2025
An unidentified motorist was killed after striking a deer and then a second vehicle on SH 16 in Muskogee County Friday. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, after the car struck the deer the vehi...
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School election filing period ends
A: Main, News...
School election filing period ends
December 11, 2025
Just as the filing ended for school elections, Eufaula bent Kenny Bumgarner an nounced his resignation. Bumgarner, 55, represent ed seat 2. The board will ap point someone to fill his un expired term....
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Eufaula launches search for City Planner to guide growth
A: Main, News...
Eufaula launches search for City Planner to guide growth
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
December 11, 2025
The City of Eufaula is taking a major step toward shaping its long-term future by launching the recruitment for its first-ever City Planner, a move that city leaders believe is vital to supporting res...
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Checotah resident pleads guilty to distributing Methamphetamine
A: Main, News...
Checotah resident pleads guilty to distributing Methamphetamine
December 11, 2025
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Joshua Darrin Breshears, age 33, of Checotah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Me...
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Editor Picks
Christmas Candy Corn Fun
A: Main, News...
Christmas Candy Corn Fun
December 11, 2025
Stop by Peoples National Bank and put in your best guess for how many candy corns are in the jar! The closest guess will win a festive gift basket featuring items from local Checotah merchants. Entrie...
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Campbells celebrate 50 years
A: Main, News...
Campbells celebrate 50 years
December 11, 2025
Don and Jeanie Campbell recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at Checotah Perk, located at 319 W. Gentry Ave. in their little hometown. Owner Jamie (Spindle) Hilbert hosted the anniversar...
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Eufaula Area Arts celebrates with a Christmas Gathering
Community Calendar, lifestyle...
Eufaula Area Arts celebrates with a Christmas Gathering
By GLENNA MCBRIDE, DIRECTOR, EUFAULA AREA ARTS 
December 11, 2025
The Eufaula Area Arts Council invites you to experience the magic of the holidays with a festive Christmas Gathering on Tuesday, December 16, at the Chamber of Commerce building at 301 North Main, fea...
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Breakfast with Santa Dec. 13
Community Calendar, lifestyle...
Breakfast with Santa Dec. 13
December 11, 2025
Legacy on Main Street, 224 N. Main St., Eufaula, presents Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $15, which includes one adult and one child breakfast. If you n...
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EOSC receives $16 million donation
News
EOSC receives $16 million donation
December 11, 2025
WILBURTON – Eastern Oklahoma State College has received an unprecedented $16 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott through her foundation, Yield Giving. This donation marks the...
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