Jalen Williams delivered the best game of his career on June 16, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 120–109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. With this win, the Thunder now lead the series 3–2 and are just one step from winning their first NBA title since moving to Oklahoma.
Williams scored a personal-best 40 points, coming up big in the second half when his team needed it most. He played a key role during a major fourth-quarter run that turned the game in the Thunder’s favor. Along with his scoring, he also grabbed six rebounds and gave out four assists, showing his all-around ability on the court.
At just 24 years old, Williams joined a small group of young players who have reached this level of performance in the NBA Finals.
He also became one of only a few players under 25—like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving—to score at least 25 points in three consecutive Finals games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team’s top scorer this season, added 31 points and 10 assists. Together, the duo caused serious problems for Indiana’s defense. The Thunder also forced 23 turnovers from the Pacers and scored 32 points from those mistakes, which made a big difference in the final score.
The Pacers started strong and led by 10 points early in the third quarter. But once the Thunder found their rhythm, they quickly took control. Williams’ clutch shooting and Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking gave Oklahoma City the momentum they needed to close out the game.
JALEN WILLIAMS IN GAME 5 OF THE NBA FINALS
— TF (@ThunderFocus) June 17, 2025
40 POINTS
6 REBOUNDS
4 ASSISTS
1 BLOCK
14/24 SHOOTING
ONE OF THE GREATEST GAMES IN OKC HISTORY pic.twitter.com/lnuumCAHdu
Thunder Look to Finish the Job in Game 6
The series now shifts back to Indianapolis for Game 6, which will be played on Thursday. The Thunder will have their first chance to win the NBA championship. A victory would be historic, as it would mark the franchise’s first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
Jalen Williams has become one of the breakout stars of this year’s playoffs. His confidence and ability to deliver under pressure have made him a key part of the Thunder’s playoff run. If he continues playing at this level, Oklahoma City could soon be celebrating a long-awaited championship.
The Pacers, on the other hand, are now facing elimination. They will need a strong performance at home to force a Game 7. That means finding a way to slow down both Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander, who have led the Thunder’s offense throughout the Finals.
As the 2025 NBA Finals approach a possible ending, all eyes will be on Game 6.
Oklahoma City is close to making history, but Indiana still has one more chance to extend the fight for the title.
