In an electrifying performance during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Jalen Williams delivered a playoff career-high of 40 points, marking a pivotal moment in what has been an impressive career thus far. Alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who contributed 31 points and 10 assists, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a decisive 120–109 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
The win gives the Thunder a 3–2 series lead, establishing them as -1800 favorites to clinch the championship, with Game 6 approaching and Oklahoma City positioned as five-point favorites, according to FanDuel.
Following the game, fans took to social media to celebrate the standout performances of OKC’s dynamic duo. Williams showcased his scoring ability with a shooting efficiency of 56%, also adding six rebounds, four assists, and one steal. Chet Holmgren provided valuable support with nine points and 11 rebounds.
On the opposing side, Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 28 points, shooting 9-of-15 from the floor, while T.J. McConnell contributed 18 points with an 8-of-14 shooting performance. Tyrese Haliburton, hindered by a right calf injury, managed to score only four points.
The Thunder capitalized on the energy from their home crowd, with Isaiah Hartenstein setting the tone with a dunk to open the scoring. Gilgeous-Alexander’s quick crossover move and layup pushed the lead to five, prompting an early timeout from the Pacers. Cason Wallace capped the first quarter with a three-pointer, followed by a Holmgren block, giving the Thunder a 10-point lead at the end of the period.
The second quarter featured Williams in prime form as he scored 11 quick points, while Holmgren’s defensive prowess was evident with three blocks in the first half. At halftime, Gilgeous-Alexander had 13 points from 50% shooting, with Williams leading all scorers at 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Wallace contributed nine points off the bench, rounding off a strong first half for the Thunder.
The Pacers mounted a comeback from a halftime deficit of 59-45, outscoring the Thunder 34-28 in the third quarter, thanks in part to McConnell’s 13 points on nearly flawless shooting. Williams, however, remained unstoppable, adding another 13 points in the third quarter. His scoring streak of 25 or more points in three consecutive Finals games before turning 25 places him among an elite group of just five players over the past four decades.
As the fourth quarter progressed, a decisive 10-point run from the Thunder began to diminish the Pacers’ hopes, with Williams continuing to assert his dominance on the court.