By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from their first NBA championship after defeating the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Jalen Williams exploded for a playoff career-high 40 points, while MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists, as the Thunder bounced back from a near-collapse to secure a crucial victory.
Much like in Game 1, the Thunder built a big lead at home, only for the Pacers to storm back. Indiana erased an 18-point deficit and came within two points early in the fourth quarter, despite star guard Tyrese Haliburton playing through a leg injury. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 28 points and TJ McConnell added 18, sparking the comeback.
But this time, Oklahoma City held firm. Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 71 points, their highest-scoring duo performance of the postseason, to close the game strong.
With the win, the Thunder now lead the series 3-2. Historically, teams in this position have gone on to win the Finals 82% of the time. Game 6 is Thursday in Indiana.