What Happened
In Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 16, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-109, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Thunder’s victory was largely attributed to standout performances from Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Williams scored a playoff career-high 40 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31 points, 10 assists, and four blocks. The Thunder managed to fend off a late rally from the Pacers, who cut an 18-point deficit to just two points in the fourth quarter before Oklahoma City pulled away again.
The game was marked by the Thunder’s strong defensive performance, which forced 23 turnovers from the Pacers, leading to 32 points off those turnovers. The Thunder’s ability to convert these turnovers into points contrasted sharply with the Pacers’ struggles, particularly from their star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who played through a calf injury and finished the game without a field goal, scoring only four points from free throws. Despite a strong effort from Pascal Siakam, who led the Pacers with 28 points, Indiana could not capitalize on their opportunities to take the lead.
Key Details
- Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 120, Indiana Pacers 109
- Series Status: Thunder lead the series 3-2
- Key Players:
- Jalen Williams: 40 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 31 points, 10 assists, 4 blocks
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers): 28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
- Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers): 4 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists (0-for-6 shooting)
- Turnovers: Thunder forced 23 turnovers, scoring 32 points off them; Pacers scored only 9 points off 11 Thunder turnovers.
- 3-Point Shooting: Thunder shot 43.8% from three-point range (14 of 32), while the Pacers struggled to maintain offensive rhythm.
Multiple Perspectives
The Thunder’s victory has been framed as a significant step toward securing their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. Analysts highlight the effectiveness of Jalen Williams, who has emerged as a crucial player in the Finals, particularly with his ability to score and create plays. According to ESPN, Williams has averaged 22.3 points in the series, showcasing his growth as a player.
On the other hand, the Pacers’ performance has raised concerns, particularly regarding Haliburton’s health. His inability to contribute offensively due to his calf injury was a focal point for commentators, who noted that his struggles mirrored the team’s overall offensive stagnation. Coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the need for the team to rally around their star players and adapt their strategy to mitigate the impact of Haliburton’s injury.
Context & Background
The Thunder’s victory in Game 5 is pivotal in the context of NBA Finals history. Teams that win Game 5 of a tied series have historically gone on to win the championship approximately 74% of the time. The Thunder’s strong home-court advantage, coupled with their recent performance, positions them favorably as they head into Game 6 in Indiana.
The Pacers, however, have demonstrated resilience throughout the playoffs, successfully coming back from significant deficits in previous games. Their ability to adapt and respond to challenges has been a hallmark of their postseason run. The series now shifts to Indiana, where the Pacers will need to leverage their home crowd and find ways to overcome their recent struggles.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As the series progresses, several uncertainties remain. The most pressing is the status of Tyrese Haliburton’s injury. His performance in Game 6 will be critical for the Pacers, and it is unclear how effective he will be if he continues to play through discomfort. Additionally, the Thunder’s ability to maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on turnovers will be tested in the hostile environment of Indiana.
Moreover, the strategic adjustments both teams will make in response to Game 5’s outcomes are yet to be seen. The Pacers will need to find ways to enhance their offensive flow and ensure that key players like Siakam receive more consistent touches, particularly in critical moments. The Thunder, on the other hand, will aim to build on their momentum and continue exploiting the Pacers’ weaknesses.
In summary, the upcoming Game 6 will be crucial for both teams, with the Thunder looking to clinch their first championship and the Pacers striving to force a decisive Game 7.
