Oklahoma City Thunder executive Sam Presti shared his thoughts Sunday night after the team secured its first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008. The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Presti emphasized the maturity and unity that defined this young team, saying, “Age is a number. Maturity is a characteristic.” He praised their selflessness and genuine connection, calling it “a real privilege to be around.”
When asked about the long-term plan behind the team’s rise, Presti said the front office always prioritized drafting people, not just players. “We’ve always talked about drafting people that could create positive environments where people can improve and pursue progress together,” he explained.
The executive also credited the strong influences surrounding the players, from coaches to family members. “They have great people around them… parents, grandparents, mentors that have given them good direction,” he said, highlighting how this network helped the group coalesce and prioritize winning.
Presti acknowledged the leadership role of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP, stating, “Shai’s got to be at the center of all of that.” He described the team’s culture as authentically connected and noted that even bench players like Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams feel empowered to speak up.
The Thunder’s approach to basketball extends beyond performance, with Presti noting Gilgeous-Alexander’s humility and respect for everyone involved, from teammates to staff. “He treats the chef and the person that’s sweeping the floor the same way as he treats Mark or Mr. Bennett,” Presti said.
Reflecting on the celebration period, Presti revealed the team’s schedule left little room for downtime. “We had a draft workout this morning, a long film session this afternoon,” he said.
Presti expressed gratitude to the Oklahoma City community, describing their bond with the franchise as “absolutely intertwined” since his arrival. “The values here… have embraced the team and all of us,” he added.
The Thunder finished the season with a league-best 68-14 record and won the Finals behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s 29 points and 12 assists in Game 7. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams also made key contributions.
This title marks Oklahoma City’s second franchise championship, the first coming in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.
