OKC Thunder Leads NBA Finals 3-2 After Williams' Historic Game 5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of winning their first NBA championship, leading the Indiana Pacers 3-2 in the NBA Finals after a 120-109 victory in Game 5, largely thanks to Jalen Williams' standout performance. Williams scored 40 points in the game and has emerged as a key two-way player alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with both being vital to the Thunder's success. During Game 5, Williams became just the fifth player under 25 in the last 40 seasons to score 25 or more points in three consecutive NBA Finals games, joining elite company like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. The NBA Finals have also introduced pregame starting lineup introductions for the first time since 2013 in response to fan feedback seeking more excitement and a greater sense of occasion, after previous criticisms about the series lacking special elements such as visible Larry O’Brien Trophy representations. The Finals series is tied 2-2, and with the winner of Game 5 historically going on to win the series 74 percent of the time, this game was particularly crucial. The Thunder will look to close out the championship at home in Game 6, led by Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chet Holmgren.