Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren becomes the first Zag to come home with an NBA championship as a main contributor for a franchise. Here are the four Zags that have won the NBA Finals:
Adam Morrison (2009 and 2010 with the Los Angeles Lakers)
Ronny Turiaf (2012 with the Miami Heat)
Austin Daye (2014 with the San Antonio Spurs)
Chet Holmgren (2025 with the Oklahoma City Thunder)
While Oklahoma City was led by the NBA’s Most Valuable Player and NBA Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander couldn’t have done it without the defensive anchor.
“He affects the game at a high level every night. Tonight was no different. He was everywhere, blocking shots, rotating, switching on guards. He’s amazing and so much more room to grow.” - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Chet Holmgren
Holmgren broke barriers on the way to the title, becoming the third Gonzaga player to have a 20-point game in the NBA Finals, joining Utah Jazz’s John Stockton and Miami Heat’s Kelly Olynyk. Along with that, he now owns the NBA Finals record in a Game 7 for blocks with 5.
“I’m proud of myself for never quitting. Broken bones, bruises. It’s all temporary. But this is forever.” - Chet Holmgren
Throughout those seven games, the lanky seven-footer averaged 12.3 points per game on a shooting split of 39.5 field goal percentage to go along with 8.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Holmgren struggled shooting from deep (15.8 three-point percentage), but made up for it with his ability to protect the rim and guard 1 through 5.
These two Zags put on a show in the NBA Finals. Won't be the last time these two will be on this massive stage. pic.twitter.com/FaAx0eHMeY
— Arden Independence Cravalho (@a_cravalho) June 23, 2025
This was an exciting series, despite what the television ratings might say about the two small-market teams. Part of that was due to Indiana Pacers’ Andrew Nembhard and his relentless effort on the defensive end when guarding the NBA MVP.
His energy was infectious throughout this run for the Pacers, locking up the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell and the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson on his way to claiming the Eastern Conference title. Nembhard left it all on the floor and stepped up when Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton went down in Game 7 with an Achilles injury.
Throughout this playoff run, Nembhard collected 35 steals through 23 games played, which is the fourth-most in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in the NBA Finals.
Andrew Nembhard did a bit of everything in that first half, but his continuous effort on defense against the league's MVP continues to stand out. Nothing easy. pic.twitter.com/n3QkHr1RIC
— The Slipper Still Fits (@slipperstillfit) June 23, 2025
This won’t be the last time the two Zags make it to this stage. Holmgren is just 23 years old, and Nembhard is 25. The future shines bright as they continue their already successful careers in the league.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area... Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho