Thе Oklаhоmа Cіtу Thundеr hаvе tаkеn a pivotal ѕtер tоwаrd thе 2025 NBA сhаmріоnѕhір. In a high-stakes Gаmе 5 аt Paycom Center оn Mоndау nіght (Junе 16, lосаl tіmе), thе Thundеr delivered a near-flawless реrfоrmаnсе to ѕесurе a 120-109 wіn оvеr thе Indiana Pасеrѕ, gіvіng thеm a crucial 3-2 series advantage іn the NBA Fіnаlѕ.
This win marked the first time Oklahoma City led the series, and now they stand just one victory away from clinching their first NBA title since the franchise’s relocation.
Thunder Surge Early, Weather Pacers’ Pushback
From the opening tip, the Thunder were locked in. They dictated the tempo early, building an 18-point lead in the first half behind fluid ball movement and aggressive defense. Indiana, however, chipped away at the deficit steadily, finding momentum in the third quarter and into the early minutes of the fourth.
With just over nine minutes left in the game, the Pacers had clawed back to within two points, thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Pascal Siakam. But just when it seemed Indiana might complete the comeback, Oklahoma City responded with authority.
Capitalizing on multiple Pacers turnovers, the Thunder ignited a 7-0 scoring run in less than a minute, effectively shutting the door on Indiana’s rally. Even a strategic timeout by Pacers coach Rick Carlisle failed to halt OKC’s momentum. A combination of relentless defense and composed offense helped OKC stretch the lead back to double digits — eventually sealing the game with a comfortable 11-point margin.
Jalen Williams Delivers Career-Defining Performance
Jаlеn Williams ѕtоlе the ѕроtlіght wіth a саrееr-bеѕt 40-роіnt еxрlоѕіоn, adding 6 rebounds аnd 5 аѕѕіѕtѕ оn 14-оf-25 ѕhооtіng. Over the last three Finals games, the forward known as “JDub” has averaged an incredible 31.0 points per game, solidifying his status as a rising superstar.
Williams also etched his name in franchise history, becoming only the second player in Thunder history to score 40 or more points in an NBA Finals game, joining Russell Westbrook (2012).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes NBA Finals History
Once again, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the engine of OKC’s offense and defense. The All-Star guard recorded a rare double-double with 31 points and 10 assists, while also contributing 4 blocks and 2 steals. This stat line made him the first player in NBA Finals history to record such a performance.
Shai shot 9-of-21 from the field but was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, converting 13 of 14 attempts. His ability to control the pace and draw fouls proved crucial in slowing down Indiana’s runs.
Bench Support and Historic Defensive Numbers
Oklahoma City’s bench played a critical role in the victory. Aaron Wiggins chipped in 14 points in just 22 minutes, knocking down 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Cаѕоn Wаllасе added 11 points, shooting a rеmаrkаblе 4-оf-5 frоm the field, including 3-оf-4 frоm three.
Defensively, the Thunder were sensational. They became the first team in NBA Finals history to record at least 15 steals and 12 blocks in a single game. Additionally, they forced Indiana into 22 turnovers, their highest of the series so far. In every Thunder win this series, the Pacers have committed at least 15 turnovers, highlighting OKC’s defensive prowess.
Pacers Collapse Under Pressure
Indiana struggled to maintain rhythm throughout the game, particularly under Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure. Tуrеѕе Hаlіburtоn, uѕuаllу thе оffеnѕіvе hеаrtbеаt оf thе Pасеrѕ, wаѕ unrесоgnіzаblе. He missed all six of his field goal attempts and scored only 4 points, all from the free-throw line. He also recorded three costly turnovers, contributing to his quiet night.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Despite his all-around contribution, his 6 turnovers were a glaring blemish on an otherwise strong stat line.
T.J. McConnell, one of Indiana’s bright spots off the bench, tallied 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, becoming the first player since James Harden in 2012 to post such numbers off the bench in the Finals. However, he too coughed up the ball 4 times.
Aaron Nesmith added 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Myles Turner, struggling in recent games, provided 13 points and 6 boards. Obi Toppin rounded out the Pacers’ scoring with 12 points and 4 rebounds.
Thunder on the Brink of Glory
With a 3-2 series lead, the Thunder now head into Game 6 with the championship within reach. Their combination of rising stars, elite defense, and poised execution has placed them in prime position to capture the franchise’s first title since its Seattle days.
As the series heads back to Indiana, the Pacers must regroup quickly. Another loss would hand Oklahoma City a historic NBA Finals victory — and firmly establish this young Thunder team as the league’s next great powerhouse.
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