Jalen Williams’ Breakout Game 5 Puts Thunder on Brink of NBA Title
Jalen Williams stepped into the spotlight Monday night—and didn’t flinch. The 24-year-old forward delivered a career-defining 40-point performance to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a crucial 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, pushing the franchise one win away from its first title since relocating.
Williams’ pivotal moment came as the Pacers had cut an 18-point lead down to just two. With the Thunder reeling, he calmly drained a corner three that reignited Oklahoma City’s momentum and launched an 18-6 game-clinching run.
“He was fearless tonight,” said teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who added 31 points and 10 assists in another MVP-worthy showing.
The All-Star’s effort marked the highest scoring game of his young playoff career and placed him alongside legends like Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook as one of the youngest to hit 40 in a Finals game. It was a coming-of-age performance from a player once questioned as a postseason co-star.
“I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to win,” said Williams. “This isn’t about stats—it’s about finishing the job.”
Game 6 awaits, and Williams looks ready.
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Photo Credit: Zero99 / Shutterstock.com
