Over the past seven years, there have been seven different NBA champions! Why is that? The main reason is the changes in league rules!

Today marks the conclusion of the 2024-2025 NBA season.

In a decisive Game 7, the Thunder, playing at home, defeated the Pacers thanks to a strong surge in the third quarter, clinching the championship.

Haliburton's injury in the first quarter proved to be a turning point, and it is likely a serious Achilles injury.

Here are the game statistics:

Alexander scored 29 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists with 2 blocks; Jalen Williams added 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals; Holmgren contributed 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks; Caruso had 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals; Wallace also scored 10 points with 2 rebounds and 3 steals.

Mathurin scored 24 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and made 3 assists with 2 steals; Conley added 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists; Siakam contributed 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists; Nembhard had 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists; Haliburton scored 9 points.

Thunder star Alexander was named the Finals MVP, having also secured the regular season MVP, scoring champion, and Finals MVP this season, making him the fourth player in history to achieve this feat, the last being Shaquille O'Neal in 2000. He became the first player in NBA history to win the regular season MVP, conference finals MVP, and finals MVP in the same season.

He accomplished what Thunder legends like Durant, Westbrook, and Harden could not.

Undoubtedly, SGA is the biggest winner of the season, achieving a "grand slam."

For the NBA, regardless of who wins this year, a brand new champion will emerge.

Over the past seven years, there have been seven different champions in the league.

Since 2019, each year's champion has been different.

Raptors, Lakers, Bucks, Warriors, Nuggets, Celtics, and Thunder.

Why has it become increasingly difficult to achieve back-to-back championships?

Aside from injuries, an important factor is the league's rules.

For instance, teams exceeding the luxury tax threshold by $17.5 million will no longer have the opportunity to obtain the mini mid-level exception.

Teams exceeding the luxury tax threshold by $17.5 million cannot send cash in trades (to balance deals), cannot trade first-round picks that are seven years away, and are not allowed to sign players in the buyout market.

This means that championship-winning teams typically benefit from "rookie bonuses."

The Thunder's roster is the best example of this.