The Oklahoma City Thunder have reached the top of Everest after defeating the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals. No matter who won the title, it would've marked a first-time winner, as neither organization had ever won an NBA Title. The Thunder had only reached the NBA Finals once in their short history, but fell short at the hands of the LeBron James-led Miami Heat in 2012.
The Thunder were considered the best team in the NBA, and they proved that every step of the way. They were the No. 3 team in the league in offensive efficiency and were the best in the league in defensive efficiency. Both of those things shone through in the finals, particularly the Thunder's suffocating defense.
Paul George
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) catches a ball.
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Paul George has message for OKC Thunder after NBA Championship
The Thunder went through a lot to get here. After superstar Kevin Durant left for the Golden State Warriors, it became clear that the Thunder needed another star to pair with Russell Westbrook. As a result, the Thunder traded Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to the Pacers for Paul George.
After two years together, Sam Presti and the Thunder decided to take on an entirely different approach. They traded George to the Los Angeles Clippers for Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and five first-round picks, helping pave the way for the roster you see today.
On George's show "Podcast P with Paul George," he gave the Thunder a well-deserved shoutout.
“Shout out Sam Presti. Shout out Clay Bennett. Shout out Oklahoma," George said. "Still got love for that organization. They deserve it.”
It's funny how things come full circle, considering the fact that George played for both teams that were featured in the NBA Finals. While he didn't win a title with the Thunder, it's great to hear that he still has love for the city.
The Thunder have a great chance at repeating as champions next season and are currently overwhelming favorites at every major sportsbook. Considering the fact that every primary contributor for the Thunder is returning next season, many still under rookie contracts, the sky is the limit for the Thunder moving forward.