Oklahoma City : The Thunder vs Pacers Game 5 showdown ended with Oklahoma City moving within a win of its first championship since 2012, outlasting Indiana 120‑109 on Monday night at Paycom Center.
Star Performances
- Jalen Williams erupted for a playoff‑best 40 points on 14‑of‑24 shooting.
- Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander delivered 31 points and 10 assists, marking the 10th time this season the duo has combined for 70‑plus.
Pacers’ Pushback
- Pascal Siakam notched 28 points, while T.J. McConnell sparked a third‑quarter rally with 18 points off the bench.
- Despite trimming an 18‑point deficit to four early in the fourth, Indiana could not complete yet another trademark comeback.
Thunder vs Pacers Game 5: Numbers That Matter
| Stat | Thunder | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Field‑goal % | 52.4% | 47.8% |
| Three‑pointers | 12/30 | 9/28 |
| Fast‑break pts | 18 | 11 |
| Points in paint | 50 | 46 |
- Teams winning Game 5 of a 2‑2 NBA Finals have captured the series 74% of the time (23‑of‑31).
- Squads holding a 3‑2 Finals lead are 40‑9 all‑time (82%).
Key Moment
When Siakam’s triple cut the gap to 95‑93 with 8:16 left, Williams answered with seven quick points, fueling an 11‑2 run that restored a double‑digit cushion and silenced the Pacers’ surge.
Injury Watch
- Tyrese Haliburton aggravated a leg issue early and played mostly as a decoy, finishing with six points and eight assists in 27 minutes.
What’s Next
- Game 6 shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday. A Thunder win secures the Larry O’Brien Trophy; a Pacers victory forces a decisive Game 7 back in Oklahoma City.