In a thrilling Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Jalen Williams showcased his burgeoning star power, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a crucial 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With this win, the Thunder now sit just one game away from claiming their first NBA championship, holding a 3-2 series lead as they head into Game 6 in Indianapolis.
Williams, who has been somewhat in the shadow of teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, emerged at the most pivotal moment, scoring a remarkable 24 of his playoff career-high 40 points in the second half. His dominant play included a vital contribution during a decisive 10-0 run in the fourth quarter, showcasing his ability to step up when the stakes are highest. The third-year forward was instrumental in calming the storm after Indiana threatened the Thunder’s 18-point lead, responding with a three-pointer that set the tone for the final stretch. He capped off his night shooting 14 for 25 from the field, along with six rebounds and four assists in a steady 35 minutes of action.
“Williams was really gutsy,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who added 31 points and dished out 10 assists. “He stepped into big plays. Every time we needed a shot, he made it. He wasn’t afraid. He was fearless. It makes a world of a difference when he’s that good, for sure.”
After a couple of less-than-stellar outings in Games 3 and 4, the Thunder found their rhythm by revitalizing their offensive strategy. Oklahoma City jumped out to an aggressive start, recording 10 assists and nailing four threes in the opening quarter, which set the tone for the rest of the game. Coach Mark Daigneault made a smart tactical move by shifting Gilgeous-Alexander off the ball early, allowing him to avoid the relentless high-pressure defense Indiana employed throughout the game.
The Thunder’s offense flourished as they utilized the passing prowess of center Isaiah Hartenstein from the elbow, orchestrating plays that exploited Indiana’s defensive positioning to create open shots. With this inside-out approach, perimeter shooters like Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace capitalized on the opportunities, each hitting three three-pointers in the first half, helping Oklahoma City build a solid 59-45 lead by halftime. The team ultimately finished the night with a commendable 43.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Daigneault highlighted the importance of their offensive adjustments. “We shot 17 threes in Game 4,” he noted. “That’s not really a winning recipe. It’s a by-product of offense that’s not where it needs to be. I thought we made some improvements tonight. Wiggins and Wallace gave us a major lift.”
Post-halftime, Williams was relentless, consistently attacking the rim and drawing fouls, tapping into his explosive athleticism to score over Indiana’s defenders. He became the youngest player since Russell Westbrook in 2012 to score at least 40 points in a Finals game, a remarkable feat that underscores his impressive progression this season.
“It feels so much different than a regular season game,” Williams remarked, soaking in the atmosphere. “I didn’t even really notice I had it going. I was just absorbed in the game so much I wasn’t really thinking about how many points I had. The crowd was extremely loud. It feels like the court is shaking while we’re here. The fans gave us the boost we needed. It’s a special thing to be a part of Oklahoma.”
On the flip side, Indiana struggled to find its footing, primarily due to the limitations of guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was dealing with a nagging injury. Despite his determination to play, Haliburton could only muster four points, a stark contrast to his usual playmaking brilliance. His struggles were evident, impacting the Pacers’ offensive rhythm. Coach Rick Carlisle expressed concern about Haliburton’s condition, as he was not at full strength yet insisted on contributing, highlighting his commitment to the moment.
Oklahoma City took full advantage of Haliburton’s mobility issues, especially with their stifling defensive schemes that resulted in 23 turnovers for Indiana. These turnovers became opportunities for the Thunder, who scored 32 points off these mistakes, a significant factor in their victory.
Meanwhile, Pacers reserve T.J. McConnell did his best to rally the team, scoring 13 of his 18 points in a determined third-quarter effort that helped Indiana stay competitive. His dynamic play, highlighted by pull-up jumpers and an impressive layup, provided a glimmer of hope for the Pacers amid a tumultuous night.
Despite the back-and-forth nature of the game, Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Thunder collectively found ways to surge ahead in the closing moments. Key plays such as Wallace’s transition dunk and a crucial three-pointer by Lu Dort showcased Oklahoma City’s resolve as they closed out the game strong.
Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the need for continuity as they approach Game 6. “We’ve got to try to stay in that space, that momentum, on both ends of the floor for longer periods of time if we want to hoist this thing,” he said, a testament to both the team’s focus and determination.
As the Thunder look to wrap up the series, the spotlight remains on their rising star, Williams, whose fearless performance has not only electrified fans but also shifted the dynamics of this Finals matchup.
