Jalen Williams Drops 40, Puts Thunder One Win from Glory
Jalen Williams Thunder Game: The Oklahoma City Thunder moved within one win of their first NBA title, powered by Jalen Williams’ sensational Game 5 performance. In a pivotal Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Williams scored a playoff career-high 40 points, helping the Thunder defeat the Indiana Pacers 120-109.
Williams’ heroics came just in time. With the Pacers cutting an 18-point lead down to two in the fourth quarter, the ball found Williams on the right wing. Without hesitation, he drained a clutch 3-pointer to halt Indiana’s momentum and ignite a game-sealing 18-6 run.
Fearless in the Moment
“He was really gutsy tonight,” said MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “Felt like every time we needed a shot, he made it.”
Alongside his 40 points, Williams added six rebounds and four assists, shooting 14-of-25 from the field and 3-of-5 from deep. His dynamic drives and shot-making made him the focal point of the Thunder’s offense.
Williams now joins Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook as the third-youngest player in NBA history to score 40+ in a Finals game.
A Historic Finals Duo
The combination of Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams has been historic. The pair has now combined for 291 points through five games — the fourth-most by a duo in the NBA Finals since the NBA-ABA merger.
Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31 points and 10 assists in Game 5 and continues to deliver MVP-level performances. He has now posted 15 games of 30+ points this postseason — trailing only Michael Jordan (1992) and Hakeem Olajuwon (1995).
Williams Silences Doubts, Rises as OKC’s Co-Star
After a rocky playoff last year and early struggles this postseason — including a rough stretch against Denver — Williams has silenced critics. He’s averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.4 steals in the playoffs and has played a vital role in countering Indiana’s full-court pressure.
“I’m just out there being aggressive,” said Williams. “Not every game’s going to be 40, but I’ll do whatever it takes to win.”
Game 6 on the Horizon
The NBA Finals live stream and television coverage for Pacers vs Thunder Game 6 will be in high demand. For fans wondering “what channel is the NBA game on tonight”, check ESPN and other regional sports networks. Expect tipoff time announcements soon for the final showdown.
With Game 6 scheduled for Thursday, the Thunder have the chance to bring a title home to Oklahoma City — and Jalen Williams is ready to lead the charge.
Quick Stats Snapshot
- Jalen Williams: 40 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast, 3-5 3PT
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 31 pts, 10 ast, 2 blk, 2 stl
- Combined Points Through 5 Games: 291 (4th most since 1977)
- Thunder Lead Series: 3-2
Source: ESPN