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When the final buzzer sounded in Oklahoma City, the crowd roared with the kind of electricity only a championship run can bring. The Thunder had just secured a crucial win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. But inside the locker room, the spotlight quickly shifted from the usual star to one of the Thunder’s rising young heroes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team's leader, had a few words of praises for Jalen Williams. “He was great tonight. Makes a world of a difference.”
SGA on Jalen Williams: “He was great tonight. Makes a world of a difference.” pic.twitter.com/XBHChrL95W
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 17, 2025
Williams delivered a performance that will be remembered for years in Thunder history. In front of a sold-out Paycom Center, he erupted for a playoff career-high 40 points. It was not just the numbers that made his night so special, but also the timing and composure. Every time the Pacers tried to claw back into the game, Williams answered with a big shot, a crucial rebound, or a defensive stop.
From the opening minutes, the Thunder looked locked in. Oklahoma City jumped to an early lead, fueled by stifling defense and fast-paced offense. SGA continued his spectacular postseason run, finishing with 31 points and 10 assists. But while Shai kept the offense humming, it was Williams who took over when the Pacers made their move in the fourth quarter.
Indiana made a strong push late in the game. The Pacers cut a once comfortable Thunder lead to just two points, silencing the home crowd for a moment. That is when Williams stepped up. He drilled a clutch three-pointer to halt Indiana's momentum. Moments later, he banked in a tough jumper and finished a driving layup that stretched the lead back to double digits. His late-game heroics sparked a 10-0 run that effectively sealed the Thunder’s 120-109 win.
Williams was everywhere. He shot 14 for 25 from the field, knocked down three shots from beyond the arc, and hit nine of his twelve free throws. He also grabbed six rebounds and handed out four assists while playing just 35 minutes. His impact was felt on both ends of the floor, showcasing the kind of all-around game that makes him one of the most exciting young players in the league.
At just 24 years old, Williams is making a name for himself on the biggest stage. After playing college basketball at Santa Clara, the 6-foot-5 forward was selected by the Thunder as the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft. Few could have predicted just how quickly he would develop into a key piece for a championship-contending team.
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This season has been a breakout campaign for Williams, earning his first All-Star selection and landing spots on both the All-NBA Third Team and the All-Defensive Second Team. His ability to contribute on offense and defense has given Oklahoma City a dynamic weapon to pair alongside Shai. Together, they have formed one of the league’s most dangerous duos throughout this postseason run.
For the Thunder, the victory in Game 5 carries enormous weight. The win gives Oklahoma City a 3-2 advantage in the Finals and puts them one win away from capturing their first NBA title in 46 years. History favors the team that takes Game 5 in a tied series. Now, the Thunder head to Indianapolis with a chance to finish the job and bring the trophy home.
The success of this young Thunder squad is a testament to their steady development and smart roster construction. Coach Mark Daigneault made key adjustments throughout the series, including allowing Williams more freedom to initiate offense and keeping Gilgeous-Alexander fresh for crucial moments. That shift paid off handsomely as Williams delivered his finest performance when the team needed it most.
Oklahoma City’s defensive effort also played a huge role. The Thunder forced Indiana into 22 turnovers and converted those mistakes into 32 points. While Indiana’s stars tried to rally late, the Pacers could not overcome the steady pressure from Oklahoma City’s swarming defense and the clutch shot-making from Williams.
Beyond the numbers, what stood out most about Williams was his poise. He never looked rattled even as the Pacers made their runs. His confidence and calm demeanor have become his trademark. That mental toughness is what separates good players from great ones, especially under the pressure of the NBA Finals.
Game 6 awaits, and if Williams continues to play with the same fearlessness and Shai maintains his steady brilliance, the Thunder may soon celebrate the ultimate prize. For now, Williams has already earned the admiration of his teammates, his coach, and the entire Thunder fan base. And nobody said it better than the reigning MVP.
