Thunder Turn Up the Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals
In a thrilling twist to the NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder surged past the Indiana Pacers with a 120-109 victory, claiming a crucial 3-2 lead in the series. Fueled by a playoff-best performance from Jalen Williams and a classic show by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder turned a potential repeat of Game 1 into a statement win—just one step away from their first-ever NBA title.
Williams and Shai Lead a Historic Charge
Jalen Williams was unstoppable, dropping 40 points—his highest in a playoff game—while Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists. Their chemistry lit up the scoreboard, combining for over 70 points for the 10th time this season, but never in a moment as vital as this. Williams shot 14 of 24 from the field, blending precision with power.
“It wasn’t perfect, but the jump from Game 4 to 5 was everything,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, clearly proud of his team’s growth under pressure.
Pacers Fight Back, But Thunder Hold Their Ground
Indiana wasn’t ready to fold. Trailing by 18 late in the second quarter, the Pacers clawed their way back—exactly like they did in Game 1. By the fourth, they had cut the gap to just two points, thanks to Pascal Siakam’s 28 points and TJ McConnell’s electrifying third-quarter burst.
Despite Tyrese Haliburton battling a leg injury, the Pacers didn’t quit. “He’s not 100 percent,” admitted coach Rick Carlisle. Yet even in a limited role, Haliburton helped pace the comeback.
Late Surge Puts Thunder Back in Control
The Pacers came within striking distance early in the fourth. Siakam hit a pair of free throws, and shortly after, a clutch three-pointer that made it 95-93. It felt like momentum might shift, especially with Indiana’s postseason track record of erasing double-digit deficits.
But the Thunder responded like true contenders. Jalen Williams hit timely buckets, Shai orchestrated every possession with poise, and the defense tightened just enough to halt Indiana’s run. From there, Oklahoma City never looked back.
History Sides with Oklahoma City
Numbers don’t lie. Teams that win Game 5 of a 2-2 Finals have gone on to win the title 74% of the time. When holding a 3-2 lead, that figure jumps to 82%.
“It was like Game 1 all over again,” Williams noted. “But we learned. That’s what great teams do.”
And with just one win standing between them and championship gold, the Thunder may soon be crowned as one of the NBA’s finest.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates, insights, and full coverage of the NBA Finals.
