Thunder Seize Game 5 Momentum Behind Williams’ Career Night
This NBA Finals just flipped again. The Oklahoma City Thunder were trailing in the series, but Game 5 at their place turned into a statement performance. Jalen Williams erupted for a career-high 40 points—a playoff masterpiece that sent the home crowd into overdrive. Right alongside him, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up 31 points and flirted with a triple-double, tossing in 10 assists for good measure. The Pacers, who had been steadily pounding the paint and staying disciplined in earlier games, were suddenly caught scrambling against Oklahoma City's relentless pace and ball movement.
The Thunder didn’t just get hot from deep—they moved the ball with purpose. Williams attacked mismatches, glided past defenders, and sank contested mid-range shots. His 40-point outburst wasn’t just about volume; it was about timing, drilling big jumpers when the Pacers were closing in. Gilgeous-Alexander, just as smooth as ever, set the tone early. He kept defenders off-balance, either pulling up for three or driving and kicking to open shooters. Every time Indiana seemed set for a mini-run, Oklahoma City responded with another Williams or SGA bucket.
Pacers Face Tough Road as Series Heads Back to Indiana
The Pacers knew this Thunder team could light it up, but they still got burned in the most critical moments. As the Game 5 pressure mounted, a few careless turnovers, missed box outs, and defensive switches gone wrong haunted Indiana. They lost track of the Thunder shooters too many times, allowing Williams to carve up their defense inside and out. Their own offense sputtered against well-timed double teams and aggressive perimeter defense. Haliburton and Siakam combined for 52 points, but struggled to find easy looks when it mattered most.
Now back home for Game 6, the Pacers find themselves on the edge. They’ve looked confident all series, built on team chemistry, but any little slip in focus means trouble. They’re leaning on guys like Myles Turner to protect the paint and trying to squeeze a little more creative playmaking out of their bench. Game 6 in Indiana promises nerves and noise—the kind of high-stress environment that calls for veteran grit and cool heads. The Pacers aren’t out yet, but they’ll need every ounce of home-court magic to push this series to a decisive seventh game.
The Finals is never short on drama, and with Jalen Williams’ star turn, this one isn’t lacking for breakout moments. Thunder fans can feel a title within reach, while Indiana is desperate not to see their run end just yet. All eyes turn to June 19 as the Pacers try to claw it back in front of their own crowd.
