Oklahoma City, USA – The Oklahoma City Thunder are closing in on the NBA championship, fueled by a stellar performance from Jalen Williams, who scored 40 points in Monday’s 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With this result, the Thunder lead the series for the title 3-2.
In NBA Finals history, when the fifth game is played with the series tied 2-2, the winning team has won the championship 74.2% of the time.
The sixth game is scheduled for Thursday in Indianapolis. If a seventh game is necessary, it would be played on Sunday back in Oklahoma City.
The first half of the game showed a Thunder team at an outstanding level. Although the Pacers attempted a comeback in the second half, they failed to make it.Jalen Williams had the best performance of his career, scoring 40 points on 14 of 25 field goals, including 3 of 5 three-pointers and 9 of 12 free throws, plus 6 rebounds and 4 assists. This achievement set a new scoring record for Williams in the playoffs, joining Russell Westbrook as the only Thunder players with 40 or more points in the Finals.
Shai-Gilgeous Alexander also shone, contributing 31 points, 10 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks, forming an unstoppable duo. Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, from the bench, contributed 14 and 11 points respectively, giving a crucial boost to the Thunder.
Oklahoma City’s defense was key, forcing 23 turnovers from the Pacers, resulting in 32 points for the Thunder, with 15 steals and 12 blocks.
On the other hand, Tyrese Haliburton had a tough night, with only 4 points and discomfort in his right calf. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 28 points, followed by T.J. McConnell with 18 and Obi Toppin with 12.
The Pacers, who hadn’t lost two games in a row since March, find themselves at a disadvantage in a playoff series for the first time.
