The Oklahoma City Thunder may be the reigning NBA champions, but not even title teams are flawless. In fact, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst says one key weakness stood out during their dramatic Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers.
The Thunder’s Ball-Handling Problem
Windhorst praised OKC for their incredible season, calling them a “worthy champion,” but he noted how the team struggled at times with limited shot creation beyond Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“They did have two seven-game series in the playoffs, and their vulnerability is that they have very limited ball handlers, and they have a tendency to tighten up offensively,” Windhorst said.
In clutch situations, the Thunder often leaned heavily on SGA’s individual brilliance instead of a more free-flowing, balanced offense. That approach worked well enough to deliver a championship, but it also left them looking shaky in key stretches.
“They can’t be as reliant on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the clutch,” Windhorst added.
Did Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury Save OKC?
One of Windhorst’s boldest points was the suggestion that Indiana might have pulled off the upset had Tyrese Haliburton not gone down with an injury in Game 7.
“I really would like to know what would have happened if Tyrese Haliburton had not got injured,” Windhorst said. “In the second half, in the fourth quarter of that game, they tightened up offensively. The Pacers just didn’t have enough firepower.”
Not a Finished Product – And That’s OK
Windhorst wrapped up his analysis by reminding fans that the Thunder’s flaws might actually be a good thing for the long haul.
“The Thunder are champions, but they are not a totally finished product. That’s both good news for their fans, but a glimmer of hope for other teams.”
This isn’t the first time OKC’s execution has been questioned. Earlier in the Finals, Charles Barkley criticized head coach Mark Daigneault’s lineup changes, saying they nearly cost the Thunder in crunch time.
Still, with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren locked into long-term deals and SGA fresh off an MVP season, OKC has both the star power and the youth to turn weaknesses into strengths. If they can grow from these lessons, their pursuit of back-to-back titles remains very real.
