The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from securing their first NBA championship after a commanding performance from Jalen Williams in Game 5. Williams scored 40 points as the Thunder held off a determined Indiana Pacers team, sealing a 120-109 victory that places them ahead 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.
Monday’s thrilling matchup in Oklahoma witnessed the Pacers overcoming an 18-point deficit from the first half, narrowing the Thunder’s lead to just two points in the fourth quarter. However, the Thunder regained control, with Williams and NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge to secure a crucial win.
The Thunder can clinch the NBA title in Game 6, scheduled for Thursday in Indianapolis. Williams contributed significantly with 40 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points along with 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals.
“My teammates instil a lot of confidence in me to go out and be me,” Williams remarked. He acknowledged the guidance of Coach Mark Daigneault, who encouraged him to embrace his style of play.
Reflecting on their previous experience in the series, Williams noted, “Tonight was the exact same game as game one, to be honest. Learning through these finals is what makes this team good and we were able to do that.”
Pascal Siakam led the scoring for the Pacers with 28 points, but concerns arose regarding the health of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who left the game early in the first quarter due to a right calf issue before rejoining later. Haliburton managed only four points, all from free throws, as Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure limited Indiana’s offensive effectiveness.
“He’s not 100 percent, it’s pretty clear,” admitted Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “But I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game. We were concerned at half-time and he insisted on playing … but he’s not 100 percent. There’s a lot of guys in the series that aren’t.”