Jalen Williams delivered a career-high 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, giving OKC a 3-2 series lead.
The Pacers cut an 18-point deficit to just two in the fourth quarter, but Williams, along with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—who added 31 points and 10 assists—closed out the win for the Thunder at home.
“Learning through these Finals is what makes this team good,” Williams said. “We were able to respond tonight.”
Tyrese Haliburton struggled with just four points in 34 minutes, as coach Rick Carlisle admitted the guard was not fully fit. Still, Haliburton made it clear he won’t sit out.
“It’s the Finals. I’ve worked my whole life for this,” he said. “If I can walk, I’ll play.” Game 6 awaits as Indiana looks to stay alive.
