NBA Finals: Jalen Williams scores 40 points as OKC Thunder beat the Pacers in Game 5 to take a 3–2 series lead

Jalen Williams played the best playoff game of his career, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder survive an almost miraculous Indiana Pacers comeback to win Game 5 of the NBA Finals, 120–109, at the Paycom Center on Tuesday, June 17 (Philippine Standard Time).

Williams exploded for a playoff career-high 40 points, including 11 in the final frame, shooting 14-of-25 from the field and 9-of-12 from the foul line, along with six rebounds and four assists. Notably, his all-time career-high (regular season or playoffs) is 41 points. This also marked the third straight game in which he scored 26 or more points. He received strong support from reigning NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who contributed 31 points, two rebounds, and 10 assists.

However, the Pacers nearly completed a stunning comeback, trimming an 18-point first-half deficit to just two points in the fourth quarter. Their failure to complete the comeback was largely due to the struggles of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who managed just four points the entire game. Haliburton had a scoreless first quarter and briefly left for the locker room before returning with a wrap around his right calf.

PROTECTED HOME COURT 😤 pic.twitter.com/U8Ib4usGTK

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 17, 2025

It was later reported that Haliburton was dealing with calf tightness, and it clearly affected his performance. He finished the first half scoreless and didn’t register his first points until 7:07 remaining in the third quarter. He also missed all six of his field goal attempts.

The Pacers, known as the kings of the comeback, will aim to level the series at 3–3 in Game 6, or the OKC Thunder may finally capture their maiden NBA title when the game tips off on Friday, June 20 (Philippine Standard Time) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Key Stats:

• Most Points: Jalen Williams – 40 (in 35 minutes)
• Most Assists: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 10 (in 38 minutes)
• Most Rebounds: Chet Holmgren – 11 (in 34 minutes)

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