NBA’s Decision Leaves Fans Scratching Their Heads After Thunder-Pacers Finals originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Oklahoma City Thunder won their organization’s first championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008 by defeating the Indiana Pacers 4-3 in the NBA Finals.
In Game 7 on Sunday, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points and dished out 12 assists to end with a double-double that helped him secure the Bill Russell Finals MVP award. Following the historic 103-91 triumph, the NBA announced that the game ball used in Game 7 is up for sale via Sotheby’s in New York through Wednesday.
“In Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder used this very basketball to finally clinch the championship,” the league wrote on its Instagram account Friday. “The official game used ball was present for the most important moment in OKC franchise history — and it could be yours.”
However, the decision was quickly met by critics in the comment section, who thought the ball should be given to the Thunder to keep within their organization for memorabilia purposes.
“So why wasn’t it given to them 😂,” one fan commented.
“Should’ve given it to them for their first chip,” another wrote.
“Why doesn’t the team get it?” another shared.
“Literally just got their first chip as a fan that should go in the arena somewhere,” one Thunder fan commented.
“They should’ve given this to coach or Shai,” another wrote, in reference to Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault and All-Star guard Gilgeous-Alexander.
“Why??” another commented.
The league’s decision has puzzled some fans, although the ball will likely be auctioned for $50,000, according to a TMZ Sports report. The ball is considered a “one-of-a-kind memorabilia item” as it’s the first to come from an NBA Finals Game 7 since the 2016 series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors.
“It’s a rare chance to own a piece of basketball history,” a Sotheby’s spokesperson said. “And we expect strong interest from collectors and fans, especially from Oklahoma City.”
Related: NBA Reveals Awesome Note on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP Win
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.