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How do OKC Thunder players view their own adversity compared to past NBA champions?
LIVE UPDATES: Follow The Oklahoman's live coverage of Thunder vs. Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Chet Holmgren couldn't believe what he was hearing. The 23-year-old, calculated and fluent in Thundernese, stared through the question and stuttered through his attempts to process it. Advertisement He sat upright before an NBA Finals backdrop some months after he couldn't move at all. Even so, he's been served reminders of all the reasons his Oklahoma City squad, a win away from the franchise's first title entering Game 7 Sunday night, was told it couldn't be here. That it was too young. Too inexperienced. Too bird-chested. Too jovial. Too familial. Too even-keeled. That the adversity it faced was too thin or short-lived; before being crowned, Boston's postseason agony stretched multiple seasons, and Denver's path went from bubble to bumbling to popping bubbly. Even LeBron James' Heat squads, with rings for several fingers, acquired bloody knuckles. 'Are they making it sound like this was easy or something?' Holmgren questioned. Pre-order our new book on Thunder's run to NBA Finals Advertisement Mussatto: Thunder has won its 'must-win' games. Now comes Game 7, biggest test of all. Not necessarily, Chet. But the prophecy NBA fans and pundits know features a gory rite of passage. Being forced to wait your turn, sat down by a team more deserving, more experienced or both. Asked to better learn the limbs of your growing team over cruel summers. The Celtics know those licks better than anyone, competent enough to take them in conference finals and the 2022 NBA Finals. 'We haven't failed big enough?' Holmgren said, his smirk growing through his bafflement. Holmgren shifted in his seat in disagreement. He can't argue with the fact that the bulk of this iteration of the Thunder hasn't repeatedly brushed up against championship hopes only to see them ripped away. He will debate the idea that the Thunder's journey here isn't painted by adversity. Advertisement He only needs to think back to the grim night where it seemed his second season could be lost just one year after the first was stolen. When his terrifying fall from shot-blocking height cracked his hip. Holmgren was immobile. Itching, burning inside. Around him, a team expected to make a run at a title was without a center of any sort. Seven-footers, and at one point even their break-the-glass, my-joints-shouldn't-be-doing-this understudy, Alex Caruso. Not to mention center Isaiah Hartenstein, who'd yet to play, was set to introduce an entirely new playstyle to OKC. Jalen Williams finally got around to first-world problems this season. To be the star the Thunder needed, he'd need to reconcile with his whistle. His force. More: Why Thunder homecourt advantage vs Pacers may be an understatement in Game 7 of NBA Finals Thunder players huddle before their 123-107 win over the Pacers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander endured the ugliness of adding a pull-up 3 to his arsenal. He watched the goal posts move from 'could he score 50?' to 'could he do this in the playoffs?' OKC's role players lived under the duress of future expectations, part of this evolving juggernaut. Advertisement But even they were hand-selected into this fold. Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins are two-ways turned marks of this team. Dort never heard his name on draft night. Wiggins was a bottom-five pick. Caruso and Hartenstein chased this dream for years of their professional lives. They grinded out the G League, too, constantly forced to raise the bar until their role player reputations were accepted. 'My whole career has been a Game 7,' Hartenstein said. This team is the problem child of adverse individual paths. 'No David,' but capable of playing All-NBA defense. If they won't hear your theories on the path to contention as a team, they certainly won't when in the interrogation room alone. Advertisement 'When you (put) it like that, you make it sound like there's a threshold where you have to suffer and go through enough before you win,' Caruso said. 'You gotta go out there and win it. You've gotta go out there and earn it. If you're good enough, you're good enough. Whether you're the youngest team in the league, whether you're the oldest team in the league. Whether you've been there before you haven't.' NBA Finals roundtable: How can OKC Thunder win Game 7? What is path for Indiana Pacers? Those who've lived to pass along the war stories of the 20-something win seasons best illustrate the path here. They're Dort, SGA and Kenrich Williams, leaders of this group in voice and action. The habits, the principles, the understanding of winning — and certainly the understanding of losing — were all built then. Passed on by teachings, now shared by blood type. Individual fortitude now hardened by this shared mission: being one of the youngest teams to ever pull it off, and do so their own way. Advertisement 'We're a young team but we're a very emotionally mature team,' Caruso said. 'Very smart team, intellectual team. We're able to go through our mistakes without having to go through loss — at least during the regular season and not too much in the postseason. And that's a unique skill. That might be more important than experience, the ability to have self-awareness. Maybe teams in the past haven't had that.' Holmgren scoffs at luck. Fortune, in his eyes, isn't what worked back from the Lisfranc injury or lying in bed for weeks. It isn't what's pushed this youthful team through 83 wins and 104 games this year. 'I'm not very superstitious,' Holmgren admitted. If he needs to conjure belief in whether the Thunder's experiences are deserving of winning Sunday's Game 7, he won't need to hold a rabbit's foot. He can hold his hip for good measure. Advertisement Joel Lorenzi covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joel? He can be reached at jlorenzi@ or on X/Twitter at @joelxlorenzi. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Joel's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at More: NBA Finals Game 7 is a different beast, but Lu Dort has shined in a Game 7 before NBA Finals Game 7: Thunder vs. Pacers TIPOFF: 7 p.m. Sunday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City (ABC) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How OKC Thunder players view own adversity compared to past champions
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Is Tyrese Haliburton playing tonight for Pacers vs Thunder in NBA Finals Game 6?
LIVE UPDATES: Follow The Oklahoman's live coverage of Thunder vs. Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton will play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the OKC Thunder on Thursday. Advertisement Haliburton was listed as questionable due to a right calf strain that he suffered in a Game 5 road loss on Monday. But the All-NBA guard will suit up for the Pacers, who are trying to force a Game 7 in the championship series. Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle said Haliburton's minutes won't be limited. Haliburton is averaging 17.9 points, 9.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds this postseason, and he's the engine of the Pacers' offense. Game 6 is set for 7:30 p.m. CT Thursday in Indianapolis (ABC). OKC is looking to secure its first NBA championship in franchise history. More: NBA Finals Game 6 live updates: Thunder vs Pacers score prediction, where to watch, TV Advertisement Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@ or on X/Twitter at @JTheSportsDude. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Is Tyrese Haliburton playing tonight for Pacers in NBA Finals Game 6?
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Tyrese Haliburton injury update: Pacers star exits NBA Finals Game 7 with leg issue
LIVE UPDATES: Follow The Oklahoman's live coverage of Thunder vs. Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton exited the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday with a right lower leg injury. He will not return. Advertisement Haliburton slipped with about seven minutes on the clock. And, after being surrounded by his entire team for a brief moment, he eventually got up and limped off the floor with assistance. Haliburton was listed as questionable entering the championship-deciding game due to a right calf strain that he suffered in Game 5. He has since played through the injury. More: NBA Finals Game 7 live updates: Thunder vs Pacers score, prediction, where to watch, TV Calf strains are notoriously-dangerous injuries to play through. A recent example of that decision backfiring is Kevin Durant, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon after he opted to play through a calf strain in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals. ESPN's Lisa Salters was told by Haliburton's father that it is an Achilles injury. Advertisement Haliburton scored nine points on 3-for-4 shooting from deep before his abrupt departure. He was replaced by backup point guard T.J. McConnell. More: Thunder championship parade buses are ready and it's all Rick Carlisle is 'thinking about' Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@ or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tyrese Haliburton injury update: Pacers star exits NBA Finals Game 7
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Celebrate Thunder's first NBA title with commemorative page prints, books, gear, keepsakes
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Thunder Up! For the first time in its remarkable 17-year history, the Oklahoma City Thunder reigns supreme in the NBA. And all the Loud City fans can relive OKC's championship season through page prints, books and commemorative editions from The Oklahoman, the Thunder's hometown news organization. Advertisement The Thunder's season was one for the ages on the court: A franchise record for victories (68), the biggest point differential in NBA history (12.9 a game), a .696 winning percentage in the playoffs (16-7) and 50-point games from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4). The Thunder's season also was packed with epic storylines and engaging personalities: SGA crushing The Joker for the MVP award, J-Dub's emergence as more than an All-Star sidekick, Chet Holmgren's courageous return from a fractured pelvis and the visionary chops of Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault. Check out The Oklahoman's lineup of keepsakes. Don't miss your chance to own a piece (or two) of Thunder history! OKC Thunder commemorative page prints Everybody has a wall that needs a little adornment, right? The Oklahoman has three page prints commemorating the Thunder's championship. One highlights the team's on-the-court celebration and one highlights the scene from the champagne-infused locker room. All are available as a museum-quality print on thick matte or luster photo paper. Advertisement The page with DAYS OF THUNDER as its big, bold headline shows Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hoisting the Bill Russell Trophy as the most valuable player of the NBA Finals while surrounded by his teammates. Celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder's first NBA championship with a commemorative page print from The Oklahoman that shows the team's on-the-court celebration after beating the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. The page with THUNDEROUS as its big, bold headline shows Jalen Williams, sporting goggles after his 20-point night, carrying the Larry O'Brien Trophy in the Thunder's locker room. Celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder's first NBA championship with a commemorative page print from The Oklahoman that shows the scene from the locker room after the team beat the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. The page with CHAMPS! as its big, bold headline features a dynamic photograph of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrating another basket against the defenseless Pacers. It was the cover of a four-page arena edition crafted by The Oklahoman for the clinching game. Celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder's first NBA championship with a commemorative page print from The Oklahoman. It was crafted to be the cover of four-page arena edition for the clinching game. These page prints start at $30 (plus tax and shipping). Elegant upgrade options through the USA TODAY Store include framed editions. To order, go to Advertisement Buy our commemorative Thunder page prints OKC Thunder championship books The award-winning sportswriters and photographers at The Oklahoman have crafted two books about the Thunder's season: 'THUNDERSTRUCK' and 'Thunder Up!' Each tells the championship story in different ways and with different formats. Each features scores of color photos and insider observations about your team (from Joel Lorenzi, Jenni Carlson and Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman). Celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder's first NBA championship with a commemorative book from The Oklahoman titled "THUNDERSTRUCK." 'THUNDERSTRUCK: The Oklahoma City Thunder's Historic Run to the 2025 NBA Championship' will be available at a variety of stores by the weekend of June 27, although it also can be ordered online right now at 'THUNDERSTRUCK,' a 128-page softcover book, chronicles the unforgettable moments of this championship season. From beating Nikola Jokic in the season opener to winning a franchise record of 15 straight games to hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy on OKC's home court. 'THUNDERSTRUCK' retails for $17.95 (plus tax and shipping if purchased online). Advertisement Buy our THUNDERSTRUCK championship book The Oklahoman has crafted a book about the Oklahoma City Thunder's amazing 2025 championship season. 'Thunder Up! SGA's MVP Season and OKC's Historic Championship Run' also covers the thrills and chills of the championship season but highlights the people and personalities forever etched in OKC lore. 'Thunder Up!' is a premium hardcover collector's book with more pictures, more pages and more Thunder. At 160 pages, it features more on SGA's 54-pointer against Utah. More on the showdowns with the Cavaliers of Donovan Mitchell and the Lakers of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. More on the playoff march that steamrolled Ja Morant and the Grizzlies, Jokic and the Nuggets, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves and, finally, Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers. Order 'Thunder Up!' for just $31.95 — a 20% discount off the $39.95 retail price (plus tax and shipping). You also can receive a printable certificate for a graduation gift. Order at Buy our Thunder Up! championship book Advertisement Many fans will want "THUNDERSTRUCK" and "Thunder Up!" Some fans never will take the coffee-table book out its shrink-wrapping so that it can be passed down to future generations, all brought up the right way to wear Thunder blue. OKC Thunder print keepsakes, special editions Read all about it! The Oklahoman has three exclusive, limited-edition keepsake items hot off the press. And they come in a bundle that costs only $15 (plus tax and shipping). Check 'em out: You get the CHAMPS! newspaper crafted by The Oklahoman to be at Paycom Center for the clinching game. a It's a four-page arena section and it's not available in stores. You get an eight-page commemorative edition that includes dazzling photography and page prints from the Thunder's championship run. This edition is printed on heavier stock and is not available in stores. You get the championship celebration edition of The Oklahoman, to be published Tuesday, June 24. To order the $15 bundle, go to and search THUNDER. Advertisement Buy our championship bundle of print keepsakes OKC Thunder championship gear Looking for OKC Thunder championship hats, T-shirts and more? Fanatics is among the options for gear that makes a statement. Thunder Up! Buy Thunder championship gear from Fanatics Even more OKC Thunder coverage The Oklahoman provides the world's best coverage of the NBA champion OKC Thunder. Follow the Thunder at Order print and digital subscriptions at 877-987-2737 or Thank you for supporting local journalism. Order digital and print Oklahoman subscriptions Go to The Oklahoman right now Advertisement This story was updated to reflect the latest page prints and book covers from The Oklahoman. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this does not influence our coverage. Contact Gene Myers at gmyers@ Follow him on X @GeneMyers. After nearly a quarter-century as sports editor at the Detroit Free Press, Myers unretired to coordinate book and poster projects across the USA TODAY Network. Check out more books and page prints from the USA TODAY Network, including books by The Oklahoman on the Sooners' fourth consecutive NCAA softball championship and on 60 years of high school basketball championships at State Fair Arena and page prints of SGA winning his MVP award and Oklahoma's 2024 softball title. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Celebrate OKC Thunder's NBA title with our gear, books, keepsakes
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OKC Thunder championship parade set to roll through downtown: Live updates
A parade celebrating OKC Thunder's championship win is set to roll through downtown Oklahoma City. The 2025 championship parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, in Midtown and climax at Paycom Center and Scissortail Park. The parade, expected to draw up to 500,000 people, will last 90 minutes. Advertisement Follow along for live updates along the parade route as the whole city celebrates OKC Thunder. REQUIRED READING: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just getting started after winning first NBA title with Thunder What is the OKC Thunder parade route? The parade route starts at NW 10 and Harvey Avenue and heads south on Harvey, west on NW 5, south on Walker Avenue, east on Oklahoma City Boulevard, south on S Robinson Avenue and ends at SW 6. Cross streets and other surrounding streets will be closed. CARLSON: OKC Thunder finally reaches summit of mountain with NBA championship over Pacers REQUIRED READING: How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder took their place atop the NBA as champions OKC Thunder championship books The award-winning sportswriters and photographers at The Oklahoman have crafted two books about the Thunder's season: 'THUNDERSTRUCK' and 'Thunder Up!' Each tells the championship story in different ways and with different formats. Each features scores of color photos and insider observations about your team (from Joel Lorenzi, Jenni Carlson and Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman). Celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder's first NBA championship with a commemorative book from The Oklahoman titled "THUNDERSTRUCK." 'THUNDERSTRUCK: The Oklahoma City Thunder's Historic Run to the 2025 NBA Championship' will be available at a variety of stores by the weekend of June 27, although it also can be ordered online right now at 'THUNDERSTRUCK,' a 128-page softcover book, chronicles the unforgettable moments of this championship season. From beating Nikola Jokic in the season opener to winning a franchise record of 15 straight games to hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy on OKC's home court. 'THUNDERSTRUCK' retails for $17.95 (plus tax and shipping if purchased online). Advertisement Buy our THUNDERSTRUCK championship book The Oklahoman has crafted a book about the Oklahoma City Thunder's amazing 2025 championship season. 'Thunder Up! SGA's MVP Season and OKC's Historic Championship Run' also covers the thrills and chills of the championship season but highlights the people and personalities forever etched in OKC lore. 'Thunder Up!' is a premium hardcover collector's book with more pictures, more pages and more Thunder. At 160 pages, it features more on SGA's 54-pointer against Utah. More on the showdowns with the Cavaliers of Donovan Mitchell and the Lakers of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. More on the playoff march that steamrolled Ja Morant and the Grizzlies, Jokic and the Nuggets, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves and, finally, Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers. Order 'Thunder Up!' for just $31.95 — a 20% discount off the $39.95 retail price (plus tax and shipping). You also can receive a printable certificate for a graduation gift. Order at Many fans will want "THUNDERSTRUCK" and "Thunder Up!" Some fans never will take the coffee-table book out its shrink-wrapping so that it can be passed down to future generations, all brought up the right way to wear Thunder blue. Advertisement Buy our Thunder Up! championship book Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA championship parade to roll through Oklahoma City: Live updates
