Oklahoma City Thunder on Brink of NBA Title After Defeating Indiana Pacers 120-109
In a thrilling showdown, Jalen Williams delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 40 points to lift the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Indiana Pacers, 120-109, in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. With this victory, the Thunder take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and are now one win away from clinching the championship.
The Thunder surged to an 18-point lead during the second quarter, but the Pacers mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to just two points in the fourth quarter. However, Williams, along with NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who contributed 31 points and 10 assists, ensured that Oklahoma City held on for the crucial win.
"My team-mates instil a lot of confidence in me to go out and be me," Williams said post-game. He praised head coach Mark Daigneault for encouraging him to play authentically, which has been pivotal for his performance.
Despite an initial similar comeback in Game 1, the Pacers couldn’t replicate that success in this pivotal matchup. Williams noted, "Learning through these finals is what makes this team good, and we were able to do that."
Looking ahead, Game 6 is set for Thursday at 20:30 local time in Indianapolis. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who was limited to just four points in Game 5, affirmed his commitment to being ready for the critical match despite his current condition. "It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here… If I can walk, then I want to play," Haliburton declared.
As the Thunder inches closer to the title, the Pacers remain determined to fight back in front of their home crowd.
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