Thunder Seize 3-2 Lead Over Pacers as Jalen Williams Erupts in NBA Finals Game 5

Thunder’s Offense Shines Behind Jalen Williams’ Breakout Night

Game 5 of the NBA Finals felt electric right from the tip-off, with the Oklahoma City Thunder feeding off energy at home. But nobody stood out more than Jalen Williams, who delivered a jaw-dropping 40 points, a new playoff career high for the young wing. He hit 14 of his 25 shots and was almost automatic from deep, sinking three of his five three-pointers. Plus, Williams wasn’t just scoring—he hauled in 6 rebounds and dished out 4 assists, making sure his fingerprints were on every big Thunder run.

Early in the second quarter, Oklahoma City built a commanding 18-point cushion. Thunder fans were buzzing, watching their squad rain down threes against a Pacers defense that had trouble keeping up in transition and closing out on shooters. The team’s ability to move the ball and find open looks was the story all night, and that combination gave them the freedom to play loose and confident.

Injuries Complicate Pacers’ Hopes as Thunder Tightens Grip

The Pacers just couldn’t catch a break—literally. All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, battling a lingering left calf injury, aggravated it midway through the second quarter. The sight of him limping off sent a chill through Indiana fans. He returned, but head coach Rick Carlisle was quick to admit after the game that Haliburton was “not at full strength.” That was obvious down the stretch, as the Pacers’ offense sputtered and struggled to match Oklahoma City’s firepower.

Even with the setback, Indiana gave its best shot at a comeback. T.J. McConnell stepped up in a big way, pouring in 13 points in a red-hot third quarter run that pulled the Pacers within two points—just enough to make Thunder fans uneasy for a moment. Yet every time Indiana knocked at the door, Oklahoma City answered with timely stops and even better shooting.

Despite Pascal Siakam’s steady 28 points and Myles Turner’s defensive hustle, the Pacers just couldn’t swap blows with the Thunder’s depth. The Pacers’ bench felt Haliburton’s absence keenly, missing not just his offense, but his ability to break the Thunder’s aggressive defense and set the pace.

If there’s one thing the Pacers will hold onto, it’s grit. Turner summed it up best, saying, “This is the best time of year”—a classic reminder that nothing gets handed to you at this stage. Carlisle sounded hopeful postgame, noting he doesn’t expect Haliburton to miss Game 6, but it’s clear the Pacers’ margin for error is shrinking.

With NBA Finals momentum squarely in their corner, the Thunder are just one win away from the franchise’s second title. The series heads back to Indiana for a do-or-die Game 6. Pacers fans are hoping home court wakes their team up, while the Thunder look to finish what they started. All the action continues live on ABC and ESPN, with both teams facing the pressure and promise that only June basketball brings.