The Oklahoma City Thunder are now just one win away from claiming their first NBA championship in 46 years after defeating the Indiana Pacers 120–109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. With the victory, Oklahoma City takes a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and can clinch the title on Thursday in Game 6.
Jalen Williams delivered a career playoff-high 40 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists. The dynamic duo combined for over 70 points for the 10th time this postseason. Williams shot 14-of-25 from the field and added six rebounds and four assists, playing a crucial role down the stretch as the Thunder held off a fourth-quarter push from Indiana.
Oklahoma City led by as many as 18 in the first half and took a 59–45 lead into the break. But Indiana responded as they have throughout the playoffs, mounting a comeback in the third quarter. TJ McConnell scored 13 of his 18 points in under seven minutes to cut the deficit to just five. Early in the fourth, Pascal Siakam’s free throws and a three-pointer brought Indiana within two, making it 95–93.
The Thunder answered with poise. Gilgeous-Alexander got to the line for crucial free throws, and Williams hit a big three and a mid-range jumper to restore a cushion. Bench players Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins chipped in with key baskets during a 25–14 run that sealed the win.
Oklahoma City made 14 three-pointers and shot over 43% from deep while keeping turnovers to just 11. Their defense forced 23 turnovers from Indiana, converting those into 32 points. The Pacers struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 11 of 30 attempts.
Indiana’s comeback hopes were hampered by the condition of Tyrese Haliburton, who aggravated a lingering leg injury in the first quarter. Although he returned with a wrapped calf, he wasn’t a factor offensively, scoring all four of his points at the free-throw line and missing all six of his field goal attempts. It was the first time in his playoff career he was held scoreless in a half.
With the Pacers trailing in a series for the first time this postseason, they face elimination at home, where they boast a 9–1 playoff record. Historically, teams that win Game 5 of the Finals after a 2–2 tie go on to win the championship 74% of the time. Teams holding a 3–2 lead in the Finals are 40–9 all-time.
Game 6 tips off Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. If Indiana forces a Game 7, the decisive clash will return to Oklahoma City on Sunday.
