Williams Powers Thunder to Within One Victory of NBA Championship

Jalen Williams Erupts for 40 Points as Thunder Fend Off Pacers to Take Commanding 3-2 Lead in 2025 NBA Finals
Oklahoma City, OK — June 16, 2025
The Oklahoma City Thunder are now just one win away from capturing the 2025 NBA Championship, thanks to a career-best playoff performance by rising star Jalen Williams. In a thrilling Game 5 showdown at home, Williams poured in 40 points to help the Thunder hold off a dramatic fourth-quarter surge from the Indiana Pacers, securing a 120–109 victory and a 3–2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

With the Thunder faithful roaring inside Paycom Center, Williams rose to the occasion on the league’s biggest stage, lighting up the scoreboard with an array of clutch buckets, rim attacks, and long-range shots. It was a breakout moment for the young forward, whose 40-point outburst marked his highest-scoring game ever in the postseason—coming at the perfect time, with an NBA title on the line.

“It means everything,” Williams said postgame. “My teammates give me the confidence to just go out there and be myself. Coach [Mark Daigneault] has been telling me that since day one. I don’t have to be anyone else—just play my game and trust the work I’ve put in.”

Thunder Survive Pacers Rally to Secure Pivotal Game 5 Win
Despite trailing by as many as 18 points in the first half, the Indiana Pacers refused to go quietly. Led by a gritty defensive effort and timely scoring in the second half, Indiana chipped away at the deficit and stormed back to make it a two-point game in the fourth quarter.

But just when it seemed momentum was swinging toward the Pacers, the Thunder tightened the screws. Williams, alongside league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, went on a decisive scoring run that put the game out of reach. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a commanding 31 points and 10 assists, continuing his streak of elite postseason performances.

With the Thunder offense clicking and their defense locking in during the final stretch, Oklahoma City delivered the knockout blow that pushed them to the brink of their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle.

“Tonight felt a lot like Game 1, but we learned from that,” Williams said, referencing the Pacers’ comeback win in the series opener. “This time we stayed composed and closed it out. That’s what championship teams do.”

Oklahoma City One Win Away from NBA Glory
Now leading the series 3–2, the Thunder are just one victory away from etching their name into NBA history. With a dynamic core built around youth, athleticism, and elite two-way play, this OKC squad has defied expectations all season long—and they’re now on the cusp of basketball immortality.

The Thunder have displayed poise beyond their years throughout this playoff run, overcoming adversity and thriving under pressure. Head coach Mark Daigneault’s steady leadership and strategic adjustments have played a crucial role in guiding this young team through its deep postseason push.

While the spotlight was on Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 5, the Thunder’s overall team effort was once again evident—featuring tough rebounding, unselfish ball movement, and relentless hustle on both ends of the floor.

Struggles Continue for Tyrese Haliburton as Pacers Face Elimination
For the Indiana Pacers, Game 5 was a missed opportunity to seize momentum in the Finals. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been battling through a lingering injury, managed just 4 points in 34 minutes of action—well below his usual standards.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed after the game that Haliburton was far from 100%.

“He’s clearly not at full strength, and we were concerned at halftime,” Carlisle said. “But he insisted on playing. He’s a warrior.”

Haliburton himself made it clear that missing the Finals simply isn’t an option.

“This is what I’ve worked for my entire life,” the All-Star guard stated. “I didn’t have a good game tonight—no excuses. But if I can walk, I’m going to play. It’s the NBA Finals. I owe it to my teammates, the fans, and myself to compete.”

Game 6 Preview: Thunder Look to Close It Out, Pacers Aim to Survive
Game 6 is set for Thursday, June 19, at 8:30 p.m. local time in Indianapolis (Friday, 01:00 BST), and it promises to be a battle. With their backs against the wall, the Pacers will look to extend the series and force a Game 7 back in Oklahoma City. All eyes will be on Haliburton—will he recover in time to deliver a bounce-back performance at home?

Meanwhile, the Thunder have all the momentum and a golden opportunity to finish the job. If they can replicate their Game 5 execution and maintain composure in a hostile environment, Oklahoma City could be celebrating its first-ever NBA Championship as early as Thursday night.

Jalen Williams’ Breakout Performance Headlines a Historic Night
For fans and analysts alike, Jalen Williams’ performance in Game 5 was a defining moment in the 2025 NBA Finals. The 23-year-old forward showcased elite shot-making, confident leadership, and the maturity of a seasoned veteran. His 40-point performance not only silenced critics—it cemented his status as a rising star in the league.

“He’s fearless,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “We’ve believed in him all season. He’s worked for it, and he’s earned it. That’s what makes this team special—every guy can step up when it matters.”

If the Thunder do clinch the title, Williams’ Game 5 heroics will be remembered as one of the key turning points of the Finals. It’s the type of performance that builds legacies.

The Road to the NBA Title Runs Through Game 6
As anticipation builds for Game 6, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Thunder are within touching distance of a championship, while the Pacers are determined to keep their season alive. It’s the kind of high-stakes basketball that makes the NBA Finals must-see television.

Will Oklahoma City hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy on Thursday night? Or will Indiana dig deep and force a decisive Game 7? One thing’s for sure—basketball fans around the world will be watching every second.

Key Takeaways: Thunder vs. Pacers Game 5
Jalen Williams scored a playoff career-high 40 points to lead the Thunder to victory.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists, continuing his MVP-caliber run.

Oklahoma City now leads the NBA Finals 3–2 and is one win away from a title.

Indiana rallied from 18 points down but fell short in the fourth quarter.

Tyrese Haliburton struggled, scoring just 4 points while playing through injury.

Game 6 tips off Thursday in Indianapolis as the Pacers face elimination.

Final Word: Thunder’s Title Dream Inches Closer
The Oklahoma City Thunder have waited years to reach this moment, and now, the 2025 NBA Finals are within their grasp. With their young stars rising to the occasion and the entire city rallying behind them, the Thunder are poised to make history.

Led by Jalen Williams’ stunning performance and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency, Oklahoma City has all the pieces to claim the crown. But in the NBA Finals, nothing comes easy. Game 6 will test their resolve, their maturity, and their championship mettle.

Tune in Thursday night—it might just be the night Oklahoma City becomes the new king of the basketball world.