SEATTLE — A night Seattle basketball fans have been dreading for decades finally arrived Sunday, as the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise that formerly occupied the Emerald City won its first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City.

In a Finals Game 7 classic that featured 11 lead changes and yet another late Indiana comeback, the Thunder got 29 points&12 assists from Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to hold off a relentless Pacers team, 103-91 ( https://apo-opa.co/44cTtIy ), and claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The promise came three years ago from Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti. It might have been overlooked for a couple of reasons.