Jalen Williams erupted for a playoff career-high 40 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 as the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away late to defeat the Indiana Pacers, 120-109, in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday. The win gives Oklahoma City a 3-2 series edge and places the franchise one victory away from its first championship since relocating from Seattle.
Indiana trimmed an 18-point first-half deficit to two early in the fourth quarter, but Williams responded with a clutch 3-pointer and Cason Wallace followed with a steal and layup to rebuild the Thunder’s cushion. Despite a valiant effort from Pascal Siakam (28 points) and another spark from T.J. McConnell (18 points off the bench), the Pacers never regained control. Tyrese Haliburton, battling calf tightness, was held without a field goal and finished with just four points.
Oklahoma City’s swarming defense forced 23 turnovers, which led to 32 points, and its balanced attack included 14 made 3-pointers. Wallace and Aaron Wiggins combined for seven triples off the bench, helping the Thunder erase memories of their Game 1 collapse.
Game 6 is Thursday night in Indianapolis, where the Pacers must win to force a decisive seventh game.
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.