Thunder Win 120-109 for a 3-2 NBA Finals Lead Over Pacers
The Oklahoma City Thunder took a 3-2 lead in the 2025 NBA Finals with a 120-109 win over the Indiana Pacers. Jalen Williams scored 40 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31.
OKLAHOMA CITY (WE) — In a thrilling Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder moved within one win of their first championship since relocating. They defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-109 on Monday night at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Notably, Jalen Williams led the way with a career playoff-high 40 points. Meanwhile, Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists. As a result, the Thunder now hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The atmosphere at the Paycom Center was electric. Fans witnessed a classic Finals battle full of momentum swings, individual brilliance, and strategic moves. Although the Pacers are known for their resilience and comebacks this postseason, they ultimately fell short. Indiana’s star forward Pascal Siakam scored 28 points. Additionally, TJ McConnell came off the bench to add 18. However, the Pacers struggled without key guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was limited by calf tightness and finished scoreless from the field.
This Game 5 win is crucial. Historically, teams that lead 3-2 in the NBA Finals win the championship 82% of the time, with 40 wins in 49 cases. Therefore, the Thunder now have the edge as they prepare to close the series. Nevertheless, the Pacers’ history of comebacks—including five wins from 15 points or more down this postseason—means they cannot be counted out yet.
From the start, the Thunder took control. They led by as many as 18 points late in the second quarter. Their offense was sharp, and their defense disciplined. Jalen Williams, a third-year forward from Santa Clara University, was outstanding. Specifically, he shot 14 of 24 and kept Indiana’s defense guessing. His rapid rise this postseason has turned him into a clutch player.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s franchise star and reigning Finals MVP, ran the offense masterfully. His 10 assists helped teammates score and showed his ability to read the game quickly. His presence kept the Thunder’s offense smooth and their defense intense.
The Pacers fought back hard in the third quarter. TJ McConnell scored 13 points in under seven minutes, cutting the Thunder’s lead to five late in the period. His energy and clutch shooting kept Indiana close when it looked like Oklahoma City might pull away. Moreover, Pascal Siakam stepped up in the second half. He hit a key three-pointer to bring the Pacers within two points early in the fourth quarter, sparking hope in the crowd.
However, Tyrese Haliburton’s injury hurt the Pacers’ chances. He left briefly after the first quarter and returned with a wrap around his right calf. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Haliburton suffered calf tightness. Consequently, he scored no points in the first half and missed all six of his field goal attempts, including four three-pointers. The Pacers had to adjust their offense, with McConnell stepping up to fill the scoring gap.
One key moment came with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. After Siakam’s three-pointer closed the gap to 95-93, Williams hit a gutsy three-pointer following a missed layup and a chaotic rebound. This shot pushed the Thunder’s lead back to five. Then, Cason Wallace stole the ball and scored a layup, swinging momentum firmly to Oklahoma City. From that point on, the Pacers couldn’t seriously threaten again.
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The Thunder showed composure by answering every Pacers run. Veteran Lu Dort also made crucial plays, hitting two big three-pointers late to keep the lead. Known primarily for his defense, Dort’s offense is becoming more reliable in pressure moments.
Defensively, the Thunder forced 20 turnovers, doubling Indiana’s 11. This pressure limited Pacers scoring chances and disrupted their flow, which was already hurt by Haliburton’s injury.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault deserves credit for his smart adjustments. He exploited Indiana’s defensive weaknesses and managed his players’ energy and fouls well. On the other hand, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle now faces the challenge of getting more from his sidelined star and maintaining their comeback energy in Game 6 at home.
This series has captivated fans with its mix of young stars like Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander leading the Thunder against a veteran, gritty Pacers team. Both squads have shown heart, but the Thunder are now closest to reaching basketball’s highest peak.
Game 6 will be on Thursday night at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers will fight to force a Game 7. Meanwhile, the Thunder aim to finish the series at home and win their first title since relocating in 2008.
This series means more than just a trophy. A championship would cement Oklahoma City as a rising NBA powerhouse. It would also bring pride to a city that has embraced the Thunder. For Indiana, their multiple comebacks show a team spirit that refuses to quit, no matter the odds.
Therefore, fans and analysts will closely watch Tyrese Haliburton’s injury in the coming days. His health could decide if the Pacers survive or if the Thunder claim the championship.
Overall, the 2025 NBA Finals have delivered drama, excitement, and top-level basketball. With one win standing between Oklahoma City and glory, the next game promises to be just as thrilling as the first five.
