Oklahoma City Thunder Hold Of Indiana Pacers, Take 3-2 NBA Finals Lead

Last Updated:June 17, 2025, 09:23 IST

Jalen Williams concluded the game with 40 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Jalen Williams (left) shoots past Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell. (AP Photo)

Jalen Williams scored 40 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder held off the Indiana Pacers to secure a 120-109 victory, moving within one win of clinching the NBA Finals on Monday.

An exciting game-five battle in Oklahoma saw the Pacers recover from an 18-point first-half deficit to come within two points of the Thunder in the fourth quarter.

But just as Indiana threatened another of their trademark comebacks, the Thunder shifted into a higher gear, with Williams and NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the team to a crucial victory.

The win puts the Thunder 3-2 up in the best-of-seven series, allowing them to seal the NBA title with a win in game six in Indianapolis on Thursday.

Williams concluded the game with 40 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31 points, 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals.

Pascal Siakam spearheaded Indiana’s effort with 28 points, but the Pacers were left concerned about the health of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton after the loss.

Haliburton, whose fitness has been in question since game two of the series, left the game in the first quarter with a right calf issue before returning later in the contest.

The Pacers’ talisman ended with just four points from a disappointing performance — all from free throws — as the Thunder’s highly regarded defense stifled the Pacers.

With AFP Inputs

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News sports Oklahoma City Thunder Hold Of Indiana Pacers, Take 3-2 NBA Finals Lead