2025 NBA Year In Review

In 2025, we saw almost everything happen in the NBA, from blockbuster trades to the start of a potential NBA dynasty; we saw it all. The most obvious thing is the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the NBA championship. Their win ended the Indiana Pacers legendary finals run led by Tyrese Haliburghton.

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Tyrese Halliburton led the Indiana Pacers on a historic and highly unlikely run to the 2025 NBA finals. He hit multiple game-tying and winning shots across four rounds, including, most notably, a buzzer-beater in Game 1 of the Finals. The Pacers had 66-1 odds to win the championship, and they took the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder to game 7. In the first quarter of Game 7, Tyrese Halliburton suffered a devastating Achilles tear, ending his season and his franchise’s championship hopes.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their first title in franchise history. Led by Shai Gilgeous Alexander, they reached 68 wins and the best point differential in NBA regular-season history. They averaged a +12.9 point differential. This season was one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history. This may just be the start for them. OKC’s young team with SGA, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams under contract for the future, there is no telling how high their ceiling truly is.

2025 also marked the arrival of a new class of young stars ready to reshape the league. Players like Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and Amen Thompson took major development leaps. A Wembanyama continued to transform the league. His rare combination of size, coordination, and instinct makes him one of the most feared players in the league. His offensive game took a noticeable leap, showing off improved handles, confidence, and playmaking ability.

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In 2025, we saw arguably the most controversial trade in recent memory. Luka Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Trading Luka Doncic, one of the best players in the league, for an injury-prone Anthony Davis was a massive mistake for Dallas. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers got a complete steal with this trade.

With 2025 now over, 2026 will be a big year for the NBA. Will the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success continue and become the new “team to beat” in the NBA? Will Tyrese Halliburton return from injury in the same form as before? Will Luka Doncic find the chemistry needed with LeBron James and Austin Reaves to propel them deep into the playoffs? Only time will tell.