The Oklahoma City Thunder made history last night, clinching the 2024-25 NBA Championship, marking their first-ever title. But for some fans and analysts, the celebration might be a bit bittersweet. This championship appears destined to carry an asterisk in the annals of NBA history, joining a select group of titles that have garnered similar scrutiny.
Let’s dive into the reasons why the Thunder’s victory might raise eyebrows. In a pivotal Game 7, the Indiana Pacers faced crushing adversity when star point guard Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles, a devastating blow with the score tied early in the game. Without their clutch performer, the Pacers ultimately fell by 12 points. Additionally, Aaron Gordon was limited with a hamstring injury, and Ja Morant faced his own setbacks during the playoffs. These factors paint a picture of a championship that some argue lacks the full weight of legitimacy.
Looking back, this isn’t the first time a championship has been marred by unfortunate circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at the recent champions who might find their titles clouded by what some see as fortunate breaks rather than pure triumph.
2024 NBA Champions: Boston Celtics*
In the previous season, the Celtics were beneficiaries of luck when Jimmy Butler, a noted thorn in their side, missed the first round due to injury. The Cavaliers’ roster took hits as well, with All-Star center Jarrett Allen sidelined for their series and Donovan Mitchell missing significant time with an ankle injury. Tyrese Haliburton’s hamstring injury further complicated matters, raising questions about how many breaks one team can receive.
2023 NBA Champions: Denver Nuggets*
The Nuggets faced an unusual path, meeting a Play-In team in the NBA Finals, which many argue is not the standard one expects for a championship run.
2022 NBA Champions: Golden State Warriors*
Critics pointed to what they viewed as a ‘checkbook championship,’ with major stars like Jamal Murray and Ja Morant hindered by injuries in the playoffs. Meanwhile, a rising Jordan Poole delivered an unexpected performance, further igniting the debate.
As the astute observer knows, one could go back in time to other champions and find similar narratives rife with injuries or unfavorable circumstances for their competition.
2021 NBA Champions: Milwaukee Bucks*
For instance, the Bucks saw their path smoothed thanks to an enigmatic “magical recovery” by Thanasis Antetokounmpo during the Finals, while Chris Paul fought through a wrist injury.
2020 NBA Champions: Los Angeles Lakers*
In 2019, the Raptors claimed their title amid significant injuries to Golden State’s top stars, putting another notch in this asterisk debate.
Fast forward through the years, and you’ll see this conversation extends to multiple championships, including several by the Lakers and Celtics during the last few decades.
2015 NBA Champions: Golden State Warriors*
The account further delves into history, where key players on potential contenders were sidelined or played injured, impacting the integrity of various finals matchups throughout NBA seasons.
The conversation surrounding ownership of championships is as much a part of the NBA fabric as the game itself. As the Thunder hoist the trophy, the championship narratives of the past will serve as reminders that every accolade carries its own tale of trials and tribulations. Only time will reveal how the legacy of this Thunder team stands against the backdrop of the league’s storied history.
