Oklahoma City Thunder stand on the precipice of history, one victory away from securing their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008. Their recent triumph over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5, with a score of 120-109, has propelled them to a 3-2 series lead in the NBA Finals . The performance of Jalen Williams was particularly noteworthy; he scored an impressive 40 points, showcasing his potential as a star player for the franchise. This pivotal win not only enhances team morale but also places them within striking distance of a title that has eluded them for decades .
Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from a title. Led by Jalen Williams' 40 points (14-25 FG, 3-5 3PT, 9-12 FT) in 35 minutes, the Thunder earned a 120-109 win against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday. Oklahoma City has a 3-2 lead in the series. This is the first time that the Pacers have lost back-to-back games in these playoffs.
Pascal Siakam scored a team-high 28 points (9-15 FG, 3-6 3PT, 7-8 FT) in 33 minutes for Indiana. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up 31 points (9-21 FG, 0-3 3PT, 13-14 FT), two rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and four blocks in 38 minutes for OKC. 
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton played through a calf injury. He also played through extremely physical defense by Lu Dort. In 34 minutes, Haliburton missed all six of his field goal attempts. He finished with four points, seven rebounds, six assists and three turnovers.
McConnell scored 13 of his 18 points in just under seven minutes of the third period, helping the Pacers cut the deficit to five. Early in the fourth, Pascal Siakam, who finished with 28 points on 9-of-15 shooting, hit a pair of free throws to bring Indiana within four. A minute later, his three-pointer made it 95–93.
But Oklahoma City responded with championship mettle. Gilgeous-Alexander drew contact to get to the line and knocked down key free throws, while Williams drilled a three and a mid-range jumper to extend the lead. Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins also contributed timely buckets off the bench. The Thunder outscored Indiana 25–14 over the next seven minutes to put the game out of reach.
In contrast, the Pacers struggled significantly during this contest, marked by an alarming total of 23 turnovers and the absence of effective scoring from Tyrese Haliburton due to injury . As they prepare for Game 6 back in Indiana, it is imperative for the Pacers to rectify these issues if they hope to stave off elimination. The stakes are high as both teams approach this critical juncture; for the Thunder, a championship would symbolize not only athletic achievement but also vindication for their long journey since relocation.
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