With the series tied 2-2 and the stakes at their highest, Jalen Williams delivered a 40-point performance that not only electrified the home crowd in Oklahoma City but also underscored his emergence as a bona fide star on basketball’s biggest stage.

Game 5: Thunder seize control

Heading into Game 5, the Finals had been a tightly contested battle, with the Thunder and Indiana Pacers trading wins and momentum. Oklahoma City had regained home-court advantage after a gritty comeback in Game 4, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, setting the stage for a pivotal clash in front of a raucous Thunder crowd.

With the series tied, both teams knew that a win would put them on the doorstep of history—Oklahoma City seeking its first title since relocating, and Indiana chasing its first NBA crown.

The Thunder came out aggressive, building a 14-point lead in the first half. But the Pacers, resilient as ever, clawed back in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to just two points with eight minutes remaining.

That is when Williams took over, burying a crucial three-pointer to halt Indiana’s run and spark a decisive Thunder surge. Oklahoma City never looked back, ultimately securing a 120–109 victory and a 3-2 series lead.

Jalen Williams: from rising star to Finals hero

While Gilgeous-Alexander has been the Thunder’s anchor throughout the postseason, Game 5 belonged to Williams. The third-year forward poured in 40 points on an efficient 14-of-25 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. He added six rebounds and four assists, showcasing his all-around game and poise under pressure.

Williams was especially pivotal in key stretches—scoring 10 points in the second quarter to help the Thunder build their lead, and then delivering 11 points in the fourth, including the dagger three that put the game out of reach.

Williams’ performance was not just a personal best for the playoffs, but also historic: at 24, he became one of the youngest players ever to score 40 in an NBA Finals game, joining the likes of Russell Westbrook and Magic Johnson.

Despite the accolades, Williams remained humble postgame, deflecting praise and focusing on the team’s unfinished business. “I won’t really have much of a reaction until we handle business,” he said.

The Thunder’s championship moment awaits

With the Game 5 win, Oklahoma City stands on the brink of a historic achievement, needing just one more victory to secure the franchise’s first NBA championship.

Jalen Williams’ breakout performance has not only pushed the Thunder to the edge of glory but has also cemented his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars.

As the Finals shift back to Indiana, all eyes will be on whether Williams and the Thunder can finish the job and complete their remarkable postseason journey.