In a thrilling Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, Jalen Williams led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a decisive 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers, exhibiting an outstanding performance with a career-high 40 points. As the Thunder’s 18-point lead diminished to just two, Williams stepped up, sinking a critical 3-pointer that sparked an 18-6 run to seal the game’s fate.
Williams, now a first-time All-Star in his third season, showcased his abilities not just as a scorer but also as a significant influence in boosting his team’s morale during a crucial moment. His impressive shooting accuracy—14-of-25 from the field, with three 3-pointers—placed him among an elite group of players, making him the third-youngest to score 40 points in a Finals game.
Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who contributed another stellar performance with 31 points and 10 assists, praised Williams’ fearless play. Gilgeous-Alexander has also made history throughout this playoff run, racking up his 15th 30-point game, a feat only matched by legends Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon in a single postseason.
Williams has been pivotal in the Thunder’s playoff journey, averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists throughout the playoffs. His remarkable consistency in recent games—scoring at least 25 points and grabbing five rebounds in the last three—parallels performances by notable players like Shaquille O’Neal. This consistency has been crucial for the Thunder as they push toward securing the franchise’s first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City.
Reflecting on his performance, Williams acknowledged the importance of continuing to build momentum, stating that the focus remains on earning the next win. Coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the necessity of Williams’ aggressive style of play for upcoming games, particularly Game 6, which could bring the franchise its long-awaited title.
The synergy between Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander has resulted in a combined scoring effort of 291 points throughout the finals, marking the fourth-highest total by a duo in the first five games since the NBA-ABA merger. As both players continue to rise to the occasion, the Thunder appear poised and determined to clinch the championship.
This performance marks not just a personal achievement for Williams, but also highlights the growth and potential of the Thunder team as they strive for greatness in the league. With a supportive roster and the right mindset, Oklahoma City finds itself on the brink of history.