Thunder one step away from the championship after defeating the Pacers
In a night full of emotions, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers with a score of 120-109 in the fifth game of the NBA Finals, putting them one victory away from the coveted title. Jalen Williams led the Thunder’s offense with a historic performance, scoring 40 points, his playoff high. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 more points, solidifying the team’s strength. This encounter marked the tenth time that the Thunder stars combined to surpass 70 points in a game. Williams made 14 of 24 field goals and Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 10 assists. On the Pacers’ side, Pascal Siakam was the standout player with 28 points. TJ McConnell added 18 points, leading the team’s reaction that managed to reduce an 18-point deficit to just four in the final quarter.The statistics favor the Thunder, as the teams that win the fifth game of the NBA Finals, when the score is tied at 2-2, have won the series on 23 of 31 previous occasions (74%). In addition, teams with a 3-2 lead in the finals have triumphed in 40 of 49 opportunities (82%). The game wasn’t easy for the Thunder. The Pacers, known for their comebacks, managed to get closer on the scoreboard, despite playing with Tyrese Haliburton limited due to a leg injury. With McConnell leading the attack, the Pacers got within five points in the third quarter. Siakam continued the effort, but the Thunder managed to maintain their lead. In the modern era of the NBA, teams with a lead of 15 points or more in the Finals have a record of 80-9. Now, the Thunder are one win away from obtaining the championship.Now, everything favors the Thunder.
Alofoke Deportes
