NBA Finals Game 5: Oklahoma City Takes Control of the Championship Series
The Oklahoma City Thunder are just one win away from their first NBA title after a commanding performance in NBA Finals Game 5, defeating the Indiana Pacers 120-109. Jalen Williams delivered a sensational 40-point performance, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander backed him up with 31 points and 10 assists. The win gives OKC a 3-2 lead in this tightly contested NBA championship series, putting them in a position to close it out in Game 6 on the road.
First Half of NBA Finals Game 5: Thunder Defense Sets the Tone
Defensive Pressure Defines NBA Finals Game 5 Opening Half
Oklahoma City set the tone early in NBA Finals Game 5, jumping out to a 14-point halftime lead. The Thunder defense was relentless, forcing 10 Indiana turnovers and holding the Pacers to just 33% shooting in the first two quarters. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed on both ends, tallying 13 points and five assists by halftime while also being a defensive anchor.
Jalen Williams had 16 points by the break and was already on track for a career-best playoff performance. The Thunder supporting cast was also locked in, as OKC hit 8-of-17 from three-point range in the half. On the other hand, Indiana’s star guard Tyrese Haliburton was scoreless in the first half and showed signs of a lingering lower leg injury. 
Haliburton’s Injury Looms Large in NBA Finals Game 5
Indiana Struggles as Star Guard Haliburton Goes Scoreless
Tyrese Haliburton, the engine of the Pacers’ offense, had his worst game of the postseason at the worst possible time. In NBA Finals Game 5, he failed to convert a single field goal, finishing 0-for-6 from the floor, including 0-for-4 from deep. He scored just four points, all from the free-throw line, and added six assists but also committed three costly turnovers.
The Pacers had to rely heavily on Pascal Siakam, who scored 28 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished five assists — though he also turned the ball over a playoff career-high six times. T.J. McConnell stepped up off the bench with 18 points, and Obi Toppin added 12, but it wasn’t enough against the well-balanced Thunder.
Second Half Surge: Thunder Hold Off Pacers’ Comeback Attempt
NBA Finals Game 5 Shifts in Final Eight Minutes
The Pacers made a spirited comeback in the second half of NBA Finals Game 5, cutting the lead to just two points with 8:30 remaining following a clutch three-pointer by Siakam. But the Thunder responded with a dominant 18-4 run, fueled by defense and transition offense.
Oklahoma City forced 23 turnovers in total, compared to just 11 of their own, and scored a staggering 32 points off those turnovers — a major factor in their Game 5 win. Alex Caruso’s hustle plays, including a dive for a loose ball that earned him visible floor burns, symbolized the Thunder’s grit and determination.
Jalen Williams Shines Brightest in NBA Finals Game 5 Victory
Career Night for Williams as Thunder Secure Crucial Win
Jalen Williams had a historic night in NBA Finals Game 5, scoring 40 points on 14-of-25 shooting, including four threes. He also contributed six rebounds and four assists. This performance stands as his most impactful of the playoffs, and possibly of his entire NBA career.
Gilgeous-Alexander was equally efficient, scoring 31 points while hitting 13-of-14 free throws and dishing out 10 assists. The Thunder were composed under pressure and executed in crunch time — traits that championship teams exhibit.
NBA Finals Game 5 Summary and What’s Next
Thunder Poised to Win NBA Finals After Game 5 Triumph
With their NBA Finals Game 5 win, Oklahoma City now leads the series 3-2 and heads to Indianapolis for Game 6 with the opportunity to claim the franchise’s first championship. The Pacers, though resilient throughout the postseason, must hope Haliburton can recover in time to help force a Game 7.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver was in attendance for Game 5 and praised the competitive balance brought by this Finals matchup between two small-market franchises. The series, which has already delivered drama and intensity, could still go the distance — if the Pacers can bounce back.
Visit us and read more sports news
NBA Finals Game 5 Key Stats Recap
-
Final Score: Thunder 120, Pacers 109
-
Series Status: Thunder lead 3-2
-
Top Performers:
-
Jalen Williams (OKC) – 40 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
-
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) – 31 points, 10 assists, 2 steals, 4 blocks
-
Pascal Siakam (IND) – 28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
-
T.J. McConnell (IND) – 18 points
-
Obi Toppin (IND) – 12 points
-
Tyrese Haliburton (IND) – 0-for-6 FG, 4 points, 6 assists
-
Looking Ahead: Game 6 of the NBA Finals
Game 6 of the NBA Finals takes place Thursday, June 19, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Thunder have a chance to clinch their first-ever NBA title, while the Pacers face elimination and need to regroup quickly, especially if Haliburton remains hampered by injury.
If Oklahoma City continues the tenacious defense and offensive balance seen in NBA Finals Game 5, they could be hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy very soon.
