Jalen Williams Drops 40 as Thunder Take 3-2 Finals Lead Over Pacers
OKLAHOMA CITY — June 16, 2025
Jalen Williams delivered a career-defining performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, scoring 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Indiana Pacers, 120-103. With the win, the Thunder now hold a 3-2 series lead and are just one victory away from their first NBA title.
Jalen Williams Shines Bright
Williams showed no fear under the Finals spotlight. He attacked the rim with purpose and knocked down shots from deep, going 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. His scoring came in rhythm, often set up by Isaiah Hartenstein, who recorded four assists. Hartenstein played a key role as a distributor, keeping the offense flowing.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t the headline act this time, but he still tallied 30 points and 10 assists. Together, the Thunder backcourt overwhelmed Indiana’s defense.
“Jalen’s not a sidekick—he’s a superstar,” one fan wrote. “Sharing the spotlight with SGA is no issue when you’re chasing a ring.”
Thunder Set the Tone Early
The Thunder struck fast. They opened the game with an 11-0 run, building a double-digit lead before the Pacers could respond. A Cason Wallace three-pointer at the buzzer gave Oklahoma City a 10-point edge after the first quarter.
From that point on, they rarely looked back. Indiana tried to rally but never led again.
Indiana Struggles to Protect the Ball
Turnovers doomed the Pacers. They gave up seven in the first quarter and ended with 22 total. In the fourth quarter, they had four straight possessions that ended in giveaways. These mistakes halted any momentum they had built.
Bench Production Can’t Save the Pacers
Indiana’s bench gave a strong effort, scoring 41 points. T.J. McConnell led the charge with 13 points in the third quarter, briefly cutting the Thunder’s lead to single digits. Obi Toppin added energy and scoring as well.
However, the starters couldn’t match that intensity. Tyrese Haliburton, battling a leg injury, had just 4 points and went without a field goal. Despite Pascal Siakam hitting a key three-pointer with under nine minutes left, the Thunder quickly responded with another run.
Holmgren Does the Dirty Work
Though he didn’t score much, Chet Holmgren made key plays on both ends. He grabbed 11 rebounds, blocked three shots, and had a coast-to-coast sequence that electrified the crowd. His hustle was a major factor in the Thunder maintaining control.
What’s Next: Game 6 in Indiana
With the series shifting back to Indianapolis, the Pacers face elimination on their home floor. Meanwhile, the Thunder are one win away from NBA history. Game 6 tips off Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“The hardest part is finishing,” said a Thunder assistant. “But this team looks ready.”

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