The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the doorstep of history.
Fueled by Jalen Williams’ career-defining 40-point explosion and a masterclass from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder pulled away late to defeat the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Monday night. The win gives Oklahoma City a 3-2 series lead and puts them one victory away from capturing the franchise’s first NBA championship.
Williams delivered the performance of his young career, becoming just the 14th player in league history to score 40 or more points in a Game 5 of the NBA Finals. His aggressive drives, timely perimeter shooting, and relentless pace kept the Pacers’ defense off balance all night. It’s the first Game 5, 40-point effort in the Finals since Devin Booker did it in 2021.
“J-Dub set the tone early,” said head coach Mark Daigneault. “He played like a guy who wanted it more than anyone else on the floor.”
Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points, 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals in a sensational two-way effort that embodied why he’s been among the postseason’s most complete stars. With the Thunder defense turning up the pressure, they forced 22 Indiana turnovers—10 of them coming in the third quarter alone—as OKC built enough of a cushion to withstand another Pacers fourth-quarter surge.
Indiana, down by 14 at the break, clawed its way back into the contest behind Pascal Siakam and spark plug T.J. McConnell. Despite a limited Tyrese Haliburton, who was clearly hampered by right calf soreness, the Pacers trimmed the lead to just two early in the fourth. But the Thunder responded with poise—anchored by Shai’s veteran presence and Williams’ scoring outburst.
“I knew I had to stay aggressive,” Williams said postgame. “It’s the Finals. No time to hesitate.”
Now, the Thunder shift their focus to Indianapolis, where Game 6 awaits Thursday night. A win there would seal the franchise’s first championship since moving from Seattle in 2008—and validate a rebuild that’s been years in the making.
Oklahoma City, once the league’s youngest team and brimming with potential, is suddenly one win away from basketball immortality.
