OKLAHOMA City Thunder moved closer to coronation after defeating Indiana Pacers, 120-109, in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night (Tuesday morning in the Philippines) at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Jalen Williams shone with 40 points, including 9-of-12 from the free-throw line, along with six rebounds and four assists, propelling the Thunder to a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31 points, with 13-of-14 free-throw shooting, while Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace added 14 and 11 points, respectively, for OKC.
The Thunder can clinch their franchise’s first championship at the Pacers’ home in Game 6 on Thursday night (Friday morning in the Philippines).
The Thunder showcased their strength early on with Williams’ inside attacks and three-point conversions from Wiggins and Wallace, establishing a 32-22 advantage.
The Thunder’s defense intensified in the second quarter, forcing the Pacers into turnovers, which allowed them to extend their lead to 59-45.
The Pacers attempted to rally in the second half, led by the offense of TJ McConnell and Paskal Siakam, narrowing the game to 93-95 early in the fourth quarter.
However, the Thunder once again forced the Pacers into turnovers, which Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luguentz Dort capitalized on to extend the lead to 120-105.
Siakam led the Pacers with 28 points, McConnell scored 18, while Aaron Nesmith, Myles Turner, and Obi Toppin contributed 14, 13, and 12 points, respectively.
Tyrese Haliburton was limited to four points, missing all six of his field goal attempts, after playing through a right leg injury in the opening quarter./PN
BOX SCORE:
OKLAHOMA CITY 120 — Jal. Williams 40, Gilgeous-Alexander 31, Wiggins 14, Wallace 11, Holmgren 9, Dort 9, Hartenstein 4, Caruso 2, K. Williams 0.
INDIANA 109 — Siakam 28, McConnell 18, Nesmith 14, Turner 13, Toppin 12, Nembhard 7, Mathurin 7, Bradley 4, Haliburton 4, Furphy 2, Sheppard 0, Bryant 0.
Quarterscores: 32-22, 59-45, 87-79, 120-109.
