The Oklahoma City Thunder are one step closer to winning their first NBA championship in 46 years after defeating the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. With a series lead of 3-2, the Thunder are in a strong position to claim the title in Game 6.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with a playoff-career-high 40 points, shooting 14-of-25 from the field. He added six rebounds, four assists, and crucial fourth-quarter baskets to fend off a Pacers rally. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander complemented Williams with 31 points and 10 assists, showcasing his clutch playmaking.
SHAI WITH A ONE-OF-A-KIND FINALS PERFORMANCE 👀
🔥 31 PTS
🔥 10 AST
🔥 4 BLK
🔥 Only 30/10/4 Finals game since 1974
THUNDER 1 WIN AWAY FROM A TITLE! pic.twitter.com/BCZT8s7iAF
— NBA (@NBA) June 17, 2025The Thunder shot 43% from three-point range, making 14 threes, and scored 32 points off 23 Pacers turnovers. Oklahoma City’s defence, anchored by Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein, stifled Indiana’s offence.
The Thunder built a 59-45 halftime lead, but Indiana fought back in the third and fourth quarters, making it a close contest.
Indiana mounted a spirited comeback, led by backup point guard TJ McConnell’s 13-point third-quarter burst and Pascal Siakam’s 28 points. Siakam’s three-pointer in the fourth brought the Pacers within two points, but Oklahoma City responded decisively.
🏆 PLAYOFF BRACKET 🏆
OKC takes a 3-2 series lead, 1 win away from a title
The #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV continue Thursday at 8:30pm/et on ABC! pic.twitter.com/4Gk62p4I6I
— NBA (@NBA) June 17, 2025Star guard Tyrese Haliburton aggravated a lower leg injury, limiting him to four points on 0-for-6 shooting. Despite closing the gap, Indiana was outscored 25-14 in the final minutes, unable to overcome the Thunder’s clutch plays.
Williams’ three-pointer and mid-range jumper, paired with Gilgeous-Alexander’s free throws, sealed the Thunder’s victory.
The Thunder currently hold a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals, providing them a significant advantage. Teams leading 3-2 in the Finals have won the championship 74% of the time. This is the first time this postseason that the Pacers have found themselves trailing in a playoff series, having previously swept Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York.
LATE TAKEOVER IN GAME 5 PUTS OKC ONE WIN FROM TITLE 🏆
JDub: 40 PTS
SGA: 31 PTS, 10 AST pic.twitter.com/crknMKBrpr
— NBA (@NBA) June 17, 2025Jalen Williams noted, “We’re learning from each game. That’s what makes a team good.” Indiana boasts a 9-1 playoff record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, setting the stage for a critical Game 6.
What’s Next: Game 6 in Indianapolis
The series shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 6 on June 19, 2025. A Thunder win would secure their first title since 1979, while the Pacers aim to force a Game 7 in Oklahoma City on June 22. Indiana will rely on their home crowd and hope for Haliburton’s recovery to extend the series.
The Thunder’s Game 5 performance highlights their depth, resilience, and star power, positioning them as favourites to end a 46-year title drought. For the Pacers, overcoming Haliburton’s injury and the Thunder’s defence will be critical to keeping their championship hopes alive.
