On Monday night, June 16, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding step toward their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle by defeating the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in a thrilling Game 5 of the NBA Finals. With this victory, the Thunder now hold a 3-2 lead in the series, putting them just one win away from capturing the title.
The star of the night was undoubtedly Jalen Williams, who exploded for a playoff career-high 40 points on 14-of-24 shooting. Williams, who had previously never scored more than 34 points in a postseason game, showcased his scoring prowess and clutch ability, especially when the game was on the line. "We're learning," Williams remarked after the game, reflecting on the team's growth through the series.
Complementing Williams' offensive outburst was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's MVP, who contributed 31 points along with 10 assists. Gilgeous-Alexander's playmaking and scoring helped keep the Thunder balanced and dangerous throughout the contest. Together, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander combined for over 70 points, marking the tenth time the duo has reached such a milestone in these playoffs.
The Thunder's offense was well-rounded, with the team sinking 14 three-pointers in total. Bench players Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins played critical roles, combining for seven made triples that helped the Thunder maintain their lead. Wallace, who also made a pivotal steal and layup late in the game, finished with 11 points, while Wiggins added 14. This balanced attack erased memories of Oklahoma City's Game 1 collapse and demonstrated the team's resilience.
Defensively, the Thunder were relentless, forcing 23 turnovers that led to 32 points. Their swarming defense was a key factor in keeping the Pacers at bay, especially when Indiana mounted a fierce comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.
The Pacers, known for their tenacity and comeback ability throughout these playoffs, did not go down without a fight. Trailing by as much as 18 points late in the second quarter, Indiana chipped away at the deficit, trimming it to just two points early in the fourth quarter. Pascal Siakam led the charge with 28 points, showing his scoring versatility and leadership. Off the bench, T.J. McConnell provided a spark, pouring in 18 points and energizing the Pacers' rally. McConnell notably scored 13 points in under seven minutes during the third quarter, helping Indiana close the gap.
However, Indiana's efforts were hampered by the struggles of Tyrese Haliburton, who battled calf tightness throughout the game. Haliburton was held without a field goal in 34 minutes, finishing with just four points, seven rebounds, and six assists. His limited offensive impact was a significant blow to the Pacers' chances. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the injury, saying, "He's not 100%. It's pretty clear."
Despite Indiana's valiant effort, costly turnovers and clutch plays by the Thunder thwarted any hopes of another miraculous comeback. When Indiana got as close as two points, Williams responded with a clutch three-pointer, and Wallace followed with a steal and layup to rebuild the Thunder's cushion, effectively sealing the game.
Statistically, the Pacers shot 37-of-82 from the field, including 11-of-30 from three-point range, and converted 24-of-30 free throws, while grabbing 50 rebounds and dishing out 23 assists. The Thunder shot 40-of-94 from the field, made 14-of-32 three-pointers, and hit 26-of-32 free throws, collecting 45 rebounds and 24 assists.
The scoring by quarter highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the game: the Thunder opened strong with 32 points in the first quarter and maintained a lead through each period, while the Pacers rallied with their highest-scoring quarter in the third with 34 points and continued pushing in the fourth with 30 points.
Historically, teams that win Game 5 of an NBA Finals series tied at 2-2 have gone on to win the championship 74% of the time (23 out of 31). Moreover, teams holding a 3-2 lead in the finals have won the series 82% of the time (40 out of 49). These numbers heavily favor the Thunder as they head to Indianapolis for Game 6 on Thursday night, June 19, 2025.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the team's growth, stating, "It wasn't a perfect game at all and there's a lot of room for growth, but our improvement from Game 4 to Game 5 was critical." Williams echoed this sentiment, noting the similarities to Game 1 but highlighting the team's learning curve: "That was honestly the same exact game as Game 1. Learning through these finals, that's what makes a team good. One more win, and his team will be certified as great."
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, reflecting on the loss, said, "It kind of went away from us. But the fight was there." Indeed, the Pacers have been the comeback kings of these playoffs, with five wins after trailing by 15 points or more, more than any other team this postseason. However, the Thunder's ability to withstand the late surge and respond with key plays has put them on the brink of a historic title.
As the series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 6, the Pacers face a must-win scenario to force a decisive Game 7. The Thunder, meanwhile, are poised to make franchise history and bring an NBA championship to Oklahoma City for the first time since the team's relocation from Seattle.
The stage is set for an electrifying continuation of the NBA Finals, with both teams fighting for glory and legacy. Will the Thunder close it out at home, or can the Pacers engineer another epic comeback? Only time will tell.
