In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Jalen Williams scored a playoff career-high 40 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers and taking a 3-2 series lead. This performance solidified his transition into a leading role, contributing significantly alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder maintained control throughout the game, only trailing briefly in the first quarter. With defensive efforts creating turnovers, they expanded their lead in the fourth quarter.
Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers struggled with an ankle injury, finishing the game without field goals, which hindered Indiana’s performance. Despite TJ McConnell’s strong third-quarter effort, scoring 13 points, the Pacers couldn’t recover.
Gilgeous-Alexander also excelled, scoring 31 points and dishing out 10 assists, highlighting his growth as a playmaker to support his team. The Thunder are now on the verge of clinching the championship, with the next game scheduled for Thursday in Indianapolis.
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