The Oklahoma City Thunder edged closer to their first NBA championship after defeating the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Thunder properly rejoiced in their win, which puts them up 3-2 in the series. Now, they find themselves with an opportunity to win the pennant in Game 6!
Jalen Williams had a monster of a game with 40 points, six rebounds and four assists. His impact on both ends of the court was key to delivering the victory for Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA MVP, turned on a display of greatness. Scoring 31 points and dishing 10 assists, he led the charge for the team’s full-court style of play. He imposed his will defensively, notching four blocks and two steals.
The match played out at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. The home support were treated to a thrilling match-up. Williams noted that the game mirrored their first encounter in the series, saying, “Tonight was the exact same game as Game 1, to be honest.” His willingness to critique past outings showcases his maturity and grasp of the game’s ebb and flow.
Williams credited his teammates for instilling confidence in him, stating, “My teammates instil a lot of confidence in me to go out and be me.” Head coach Mark Daigneault was in agreement with this take. He’s pushed Williams to go all-in on his unique playing style ever since their first days of training camp together.
Rick Carlisle, the Pacers’ head coach, admitted that as much as his team contested, they were behind the 8-ball. He remarked, “He’s not 100 percent, it’s pretty clear,” referring to the difficulties his players experienced during the game.
With that win, the Thunder took a commanding 3-1 series lead. It cemented the notion that on their best days, they can shift into an additional gear when it is most needed. From their respective positions, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander dominated this facet of play, propelling their team to the doorstep of history.
