Nelson Mandella

‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

25 Years of Laureus

‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

Oklahoma City Thunder became NBA Champions for the first time in franchise history, pipping the Indiana Pacers to the title across seven games, after storming to first place in the Western Conference. With an unfaltering defensive line – one that set the record for turnovers, steals and blocks in the post-season – and an all-time great individual season from point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder clinched the final game after a barnstorming third quarter. Amassing 84 total wins across the season, the Thunder are just the fourth team in NBA history to achieve that feat.

Image credit: 
Oklahoma City Thunder
Nomination
Year
Result
2026
Nominee

Email Sign up

Email Sign-up

Sign up for all things Laureus

Get regular updates throughout the year