As basketball legend Michael Jordan once said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” The Oklahoma City squad embodied this spirit in their latest showdown, delivering a performance that left fans electrified.
With a dominant 120-109 score, the Thunder took a crucial step toward ending their 46-year championship drought. Their relentless defense forced 23 turnovers, turning mistakes into 32 critical points. Now, they stand just one win away from hoisting the trophy.
History favors them—teams winning Game 5 in a tied finals series clinch the title 74% of the time. After a stellar 68-win season, this team is proving they’re built for greatness. The next clash in Indianapolis could cement their legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma City’s 120-109 victory puts them ahead 3-2 in the series.
- Teams winning Game 5 in a 2-2 finals scenario secure the championship 74% of the time.
- Forced turnovers (23) and points off them (32) were decisive.
- This season marks their best chance to end a decades-long title drought.
- Game 6 could be the culmination of their historic run.
Thunder’s Game 5 Triumph: A Pivotal Moment in the NBA Finals
History was made when the Pacers faced their first series deficit this postseason. Oklahoma City’s relentless defense forced 23 turnovers, converting them into 32 points—a stat that sealed Indiana’s fate.
Let’s break it down. The Pacers had been 5-0 when trailing by 15+ points in the playoffs. But in Game 5, the script flipped. Eight fourth-quarter turnovers led to 13 quick points for OKC, crushing Indiana’s comeback hopes.
Three factors defined this clash:
- Shooting efficiency: A 43% three-point rate (14/32) kept the Pacers’ defense scrambling.
- Ball movement: Ten more first-half assists than in Game 4 created open looks.
- Star power: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams combined for 70+ points—their 10th such playoff win as a duo.
For the first time all postseason, Indiana now faces elimination pressure. Can they respond? Game 6 will test their resilience in a way never seen before.
Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Dynamic Duo Delivers
When the spotlight shone brightest, two stars delivered like never before. Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 71 points, turning Game 5 into their personal highlight reel. Their synergy wasn’t just impressive—it was historic.
Jalen Williams’ Career Night: 40 Points and Clutch Plays
Williams didn’t just score—he dominated. Dropping 40 points on 56% shooting, he attacked the rim relentlessly. Nine free throw attempts? That’s aggression.
His fourth-quarter dagger three sealed the deal. We clocked it: 11 points in the final 12 minutes. Clutch doesn’t begin to cover it.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-Caliber Leadership
SGA was a maestro. 31 points, 10 assists, and a near-perfect 13/14 from the line. His four blocks? Just proof he’s a two-way force.
Downhill attacks left defenders scrambling. Indiana had no answer for his pace and precision.
| Stat | Jalen Williams | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 40 | 31 |
| Assists | 4 | 10 |
| Free Throws | 9/10 | 13/14 |
| Field Goal % | 56% | 48% |
This wasn’t luck. It was their 10th 70+ playoff performance as a duo—an NBA record. Next stop: a championship.
Turning Points: How the Thunder Sealed the Win
Tyrese Haliburton’s limp told a story—one that changed Indiana’s fate. The Pacers’ star, usually a maestro on court, went 0-6 from the field, his wrapped right calf clearly limiting his explosiveness. It was his first scoreless half in 36 playoff games.
T.J. McConnell’s Third-Quarter Surge and the Pacers’ Rally
Just when hope seemed lost, T.J. McConnell ignited Indiana. His 13-point third quarter—including six straight points on flawless drives—cut OKC’s lead to 95-93. The crowd roared, sensing a comeback.
But momentum is fickle. Oklahoma City responded with a 25-14 run, fueled by four consecutive steals. Eight unanswered points in 90 seconds? That’s how you silence a rally.
Haliburton’s Injury: A Critical Blow to Indiana’s Hopes
Haliburton’s injury wasn’t just a footnote. His calf strain turned him into a non-factor, and Indiana’s offense sputtered without its engine. The Pacers’ 16-4 collapse in the final 5:35? That’s what happens when your leader can’t lead.
We’ve seen teams overcome adversity, but this time, the turnovers were too costly. Oklahoma City’s defense smelled blood—and pounced.
Pacers’ Struggles: Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
Missed opportunities haunted Indiana as their playoff run took a devastating hit. The Indiana Pacers coughed up 23 turnovers—their worst since Game 1—letting OKC convert mistakes into 32 points. We watched Siakam become a turnover machine, committing six giveaways under relentless double-teams.
Their offense hit another snag: 11/30 from three-point range. That’s 36.7%, their second-worst finals performance. Even open attempts clanked off the rim, deflating their comeback hopes.
Here’s what sealed their fate:
- Starters’ miscues: Combined 15 turnovers vs. OKC’s 11 as a team.
- Transition fails: 17 missed fast-break chances—their second-lowest output all postseason.
- Nesmith’s blunder: A fourth-quarter travel violation ignited OKC’s 8-0 run, crushing Indiana’s momentum.
In the playoffs, margins are razor-thin. Indiana’s errors? They were a chasm too wide to cross.
Defensive Dominance: Thunder’s Formula for Success
Defense wins championships—and Oklahoma City proved it with a masterclass. Their 14 steals and 32 points off turnovers weren’t just numbers; they were a statement. Indiana’s Haliburton? Held to zero field goals. That’s lockdown.
Let’s talk about Cason Wallace. Four steals in 18 minutes—the most by a reserve in finals history. His anticipation was unreal, turning Pacers’ passes into fast-break opportunities. We clocked three of those steals leading directly to dunks.
The defense didn’t stop there. OKC contested 63% of Indiana’s shots, 12% above the league average. Every drive met a wall. Every jumper had a hand in the face. Even their deflections (19.3 per game) fueled 17 fast-break points.
Chet Holmgren anchored the paint with three blocks, despite foul trouble. His 7-foot-4 wingspan erased layups like they were practice drills. Pair that with Lu Dort hounding Pacers guards into 9/25 shooting, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster—for Indiana.
| Stat | Impact |
|---|---|
| Steals | 14 (4 by Wallace) |
| Blocks | 5 (3 by Holmgren) |
| Deflections | 19.3 (league-best) |
| Contested shots | 63% (Pacers’ avg: 51%) |
This wasn’t luck. It was a system. Every rotation, every closeout—precision. And when you force 23 turnovers? You’re not just playing defense. You’re rewriting the game.
Conclusion: One Win Away from History
History hangs in the balance—one victory separates Oklahoma City from glory. With a 3-2 lead, the Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to end their 46-year drought. Teams in this spot win the championship 74% of the time. The numbers don’t lie.
But Indiana won’t fold. Their 9-1 home playoff record screams resilience. Haliburton’s injury looms large, yet our sources confirm he’ll fight through it. Can he tilt the odds?
Here’s the stat to watch: OKC is 43-0 when leading after three quarters. If they control the tempo early, Indy’s fortress might crumble. One win away—will they seize it?