The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 17, 2025, taking a 3-2 series lead, as reported by AP’s Tim Reynolds. Jalen Williams’ career-high 40 points, paired with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31, put Oklahoma City one win from its first NBA title.
Game Turns on Fourth-Quarter Surge
Williams shot 14 of 24, while Gilgeous-Alexander added 10 assists, marking their 10th game with over 70 combined points. Despite Indiana’s 18-point comeback, led by Pascal Siakam’s 28 points and TJ McConnell’s 18, the Thunder held firm after a tense fourth quarter.
Pacers’ Fight Falls Short
Indiana, known for comebacks, narrowed an 18-point deficit to two, even with Tyrese Haliburton limited by a leg injury. Siakam’s late 3-pointer made it 95-93, but the Thunder’s resilience, up 81-9 in finals history when leading by 15+, sealed the win.
Road to the Championship
With a 74% series win rate for Game 5 victors when tied 2-2, and 82% for 3-2 leads, Oklahoma City holds the advantage. Game 6 in Indiana on Thursday will decide if the Thunder clinch greatness, as Williams noted, “Learning through these finals makes a team good.”
Posted on: 17 June 2025, 10:04 CET
