Thunder One Win Away: Jalen Williams Shines | NBA Finals
- Oklahoma City is one win away from the NBA title after a 120-109 victory over Indiana on Wednesday.
- Shai Gilgeous-alexander, the NBA's Most Valuable Player, contributed 31 points and 10 assists for Oklahoma City.Despite an 18-point deficit, the Pacers narrowed the gap to just two points...
- The Pacers previously overcame a 15-point deficit in game 1, but could not repeat the feat in Game 5.
jalen Williams exploded for a playoff career-high 40 points, propelling the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals. The Thunder are now just one win away from hoisting the championship trophy after their 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists, showcasing the duo’s dominance. Despite a valiant Pacers effort, including a late comeback attempt, the Thunder’s offensive firepower proved too much. Tyrese Haliburton‘s determination to play in Game 6,despite injury,adds another layer of drama. News Directory 3 provides comprehensive coverage of the matchup. Will the Thunder close it out, or can the Pacers force a Game 7? Discover what’s next …
Thunder Take 3-2 NBA Finals Lead Over Pacers With Williams’ 40 Points
Updated June 17, 2025
Oklahoma City is one win away from the NBA title after a 120-109 victory over Indiana on Wednesday. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with a playoff career-high 40 points, helping to fend off a Pacers comeback and secure a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals. The Thunder demonstrated their championship role, overcoming adversity and showcasing their star players.
Shai Gilgeous-alexander, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, contributed 31 points and 10 assists for Oklahoma City.Despite an 18-point deficit, the Pacers narrowed the gap to just two points in the fourth quarter before williams and Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the win.
The Pacers previously overcame a 15-point deficit in game 1, but could not repeat the feat in Game 5. The Indiana Pacers now face elimination as they head back home.
“My team-mates instil a lot of confidence in me to go out and be me,” Williams said.”And [coach] Mark [Daigneault] has done a good job of telling me to just be myself.I don’t got to be anything more and that’s given me a lot of confidence.”
Tyrese Haliburton, who scored only four points in 34 minutes, said he will be ready for Game 6 despite not being at full strength. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged Haliburton’s condition but expects him to play.
“It’s pretty clear. but I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game,” Carlisle said. “We were concerned at half-time. He insisted on playing.”
“It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete, help my team-mates any way I can,” Haliburton said. “If I can walk, then I want to play.”
What’s next
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 p.m. local time in Indianapolis. The Pacers will fight to extend the series, while the Thunder look to close out the NBA Finals and claim the championship.