The Oklahoma City Thunder are now just one win away from claiming the franchise’s first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. In a pivotal Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-109, securing a crucial 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
While MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another strong performance with 31 points, 10 assists, and 4 blocks, the undeniable star of the night was third-year forward Jalen Williams. Williams exploded for a playoff career-high 40 points, adding 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal in a dominant display that proved critical in countering Indiana’s rally attempts. This marks his third consecutive game scoring at least 26 points in the Finals, solidifying his emergence as a vital second option alongside SGA.
Williams Counters the Pacers’ Surge
Oklahoma City jumped out to a significant early lead, extending their advantage to as many as 18 points in the first half (leading 59-45 at halftime). However, the resilient Indiana Pacers mounted a fierce comeback. Fueled by veteran guard T.J. McConnell (who scored 13 of his 18 points in the third quarter) and leading scorer Pascal Siakam (28 points), the Pacers clawed their way back, cutting the deficit to just two points (95-93) in the fourth quarter.
This moment threatened to replicate the Pacers’ Game 1 comeback scenario. But unlike that earlier contest, the Thunder, led by Williams, found a decisive answer. Immediately after Siakam brought the game within two, Williams attempted a drive that missed, but a crucial offensive rebound by Cason Wallace (who finished with 11 points and 4 steals) gave the Thunder another chance. Williams received the kick-out pass and drained a critical three-pointer, pushing the lead back to 98-93. A quick steal and layup by Wallace extended the lead to 100-93, forcing an Indiana timeout and effectively stifling their momentum for good.
Haliburton’s Struggles Impact Pacers
A major factor hindering Indiana’s ability to complete their comeback was the limited effectiveness of star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Playing on an injured right calf (initially reported as tightness), Haliburton struggled significantly, failing to make a single field goal (0 for 6 from the field) and finishing with just 4 points, along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. His inability to provide his usual offensive punch matched his lowest playoff scoring total and proved detrimental to the Pacers’ attack. His status for Game 6 remains a significant storyline.
Despite Haliburton’s struggles, Siakam added 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks to his 28 points, though his six turnovers highlighted Indiana’s issues with ball security throughout the game. McConnell provided an essential spark off the bench with his 18 points.
Thunder’s Winning Edge: Defense and Shooting
Beyond the heroics of Williams and SGA, the Thunder’s victory was built on key team strengths. Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure forced 23 turnovers from the Pacers, converting them into a dominant 32 points. In contrast, the Thunder committed only 11 turnovers, resulting in just 9 points for Indiana.
The Thunder also shot efficiently from beyond the arc, hitting 14 of 32 attempts (43.8%). Key contributions came from Williams (3 of 5 from three), Luguentz Dort (3 of 6), bench guard Aaron Wiggins (4 of 7 for 14 points), and Wallace (3 of 4). Oklahoma City’s offense moved the ball well, assisting on 24 of their 40 made field goals.
Williams Steps Up as a Championship Co-Star
Williams’ playoff performance, particularly his Game 5 explosion, underscores his growth into the crucial second option the Thunder needed to become a championship contender. Coach Mark Daigneault and SGA himself have noted Williams’ focused improvement throughout the season, leading to games of this magnitude that weren’t happening earlier in the year. SGA has expressed complete trust in Williams, stating, “Nobody wins a championship with one guy.” Williams’ ability to complement SGA, taking pressure off the MVP and creating his own offense, has been compared to Pascal Siakam’s rise alongside Kawhi Leonard for the 2019 Raptors, a development that proved instrumental in securing a title.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
The series now shifts back to Indianapolis for Game 6 on Thursday. The Indiana Pacers face elimination on their home court. The status of Tyrese Haliburton’s calf injury will be a primary focus and a critical factor in the Pacers’ ability to force a decisive Game 7. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder stand on the cusp of history, one win away from hoisting the NBA championship trophy, powered by their dynamic duo of Gilgeous-Alexander and the surging Jalen Williams.
