The Oklahoma City Thunder are one victory away from immortality in basketball, and it’s not only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the charge. Jalen Williams lit up Game 5 with a career-best 40-point explosion, dismantling the Pacers and propelling OKC to a 120–109 win and a commanding 3–2 lead in the NBA Finals.
Thunder Strike Behind Williams’ Brilliance
On a night when everything was on the line, Jalen Williams played like a grizzled veteran. He was not simply hot—he was unstoppable. Scoring from every point on the court, the versatile wing made 14 of 25 shots, pulled down 6 boards, and handed out 4 assists. But more significantly, he seized the game when it was at its most critical, delivering 11 clutch points during the fourth quarter.
He’s just made for these types of moments,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said after the victory. “He never tries to force it, but always manages to alter the game.”
Not Just Numbers-Leadership and Poise
Williams’ box score was great, but it’s his basketball intelligence and cool head when it matters that really shone through. When the Pacers pulled the game back to two in the last quarter, it was Williams who made a difficult midrange jumper and then an isolated three on the break. The consecutive plays set up a 10–0 Thunder burst that quieted the Indiana fans and wrapped up the game.
Doing so, Williams became the youngest player in NBA history to record 40+ in an NBA Finals game, joining the likes of Magic Johnson and Dwyane Wade.
Rising as the Perfect No. 2
Let’s be real—SGA is the face of this Thunder team. But Jalen Williams is establishing himself as the ideal second star, providing elite scoring, switchable defense, and unselfish play. NBA fans and experts alike are now referring to him as the “Scottie Pippen of this era”—a complete player flourishing alongside a superstar.
He’s scored 25+ points in three consecutive Finals games now, displaying unbelievable consistency for a guy who’s still early in his career.
What’s Next: Game 6 in Indy
With the Thunder now holding a 3–2 edge in the best-of-seven series, the title is within reach. Game 6 tips off Thursday night in Indianapolis, and all eyes will be on whether OKC can close out the Pacers and bring a championship back to Oklahoma for the first time since the franchise’s move from Seattle.
“We know the job’s not done,” said Williams post-game. “But yeah… we’re locked in.”
If he gives us another performance like tonight, we’re actually looking at Jalen Williams: Finals MVP.