Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of their first NBA championship in 46 years after securing a 120–109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA finals.
The Thunder now lead the series 3-2 and need just one more win to claim their first title since 1979.
Jalen Williams led the charge for Oklahoma City with a career playoff-high 40 points, while MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists. Despite a spirited comeback from Indiana, the Thunder held on to seal the crucial win.
Williams, who was 14-of-25 from the field, also contributed six rebounds and four assists, hitting key baskets in the fourth quarter as the Pacers mounted a late rally.
His efforts, combined with those of Gilgeous-Alexander, proved vital in maintaining their lead after Indiana threatened to close the gap.
“We’re learning from each game,” Williams said. “That’s what makes a team good.”
Oklahoma City dominated early, building a commanding 59-45 lead by halftime, but the Pacers, led by backup point guard TJ McConnell, fought back in the third.
McConnell scored 13 of his 18 points in a seven-minute burst, cutting the Thunder’s lead to just five. Pascal Siakam added 28 points for the Pacers, and his three-pointer in the fourth quarter brought Indiana within two points.
However, the Thunder displayed resilience, responding with key plays to extend their advantage.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch free throws, coupled with Williams’ three-pointer and mid-range jumper, allowed Oklahoma City to pull away. The Thunder outscored the Pacers 25-14 in the final minutes to seal the game.
Indiana’s efforts were hampered by star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who aggravated a lower leg injury in the first quarter.
Although he returned with his calf wrapped, Haliburton was unable to contribute offensively, scoring just four points and missing all six of his shots.
Oklahoma City’s defence, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein, kept Indiana at bay, forcing 23 turnovers and scoring 32 points off those mistakes.
The Thunder also made 14 three-pointers, shooting over 43% from beyond the arc.
The loss marks the first time in the playoffs that the Pacers have trailed in a series, having previously swept through Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York.
The Pacers now face a tough challenge, as teams leading 3-2 in NBA finals history have gone on to win the title 74% of the time.
The series now heads to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 6 on June 19.
The Pacers have a strong playoff record at home, boasting a 9-1 mark, and will be hoping to force a decisive Game 7 back in Oklahoma City on June 22.
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