What is the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy? What to know about NBA Finals prize
The latest NBA champion could be crowned on Thursday night following the NBA Finals.
The Oklahoma City Thunder currently holds a 3-2 series lead over the Indiana Pacers, and Game 6 is Thursday in Indianapolis (ABC). The Thunder is looking to secure its first NBA championship in franchise history.
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With the game set to tip off, the question remains: Who will hoist the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy?
Here's more information on the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy.
NBA Finals Game 6 live updates: Thunder vs Pacers score prediction, where to watch, TV
Who is the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy named after?
The trophy was first awarded in the 1977 season and was originally named after longtime Celtics owner Walter A. Brown. In 1984, it was renamed the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy to honor former commissioner Larry O'Brien, who led the league from 1975 to 1984. O'Brien served as the United States Postmaster General under President Lyndon B. Johnson before his time working in the NBA.
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How big is the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy and how is it made?
The Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy is handcrafted by Tiffany & Co. at its hollowware workshop in Cumberland, Rhode Island. The creation process involves gold and silversmithing techniques — including engraving, casting and etching — and takes over six months to complete.
Each trophy requires approximately 65 hours of labor and has a regulation-size basketball connected to its base. Made of sterling silver and finished with 14-karat gold vermeil accents, the newly redesigned trophy stands 25.5 inches in height and weighs 29 pounds. It also features a two-tier cylindrical base engraved with the names of all past champions, with additional space reserved for the next 25 years of title winners.
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More: Former Thunder forward Isaiah Roby grew up with OKC, now he's watching NBA Finals in awe
Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @thejordancdavis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What is Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy? What to know for NBA Finals
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