Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals Game 5: Score, Recap, and Key Moments

Thunder Triumph Over Pacers in NBA Finals Game 5, Take 3-2 Series Lead

In a thrilling Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-109 on June 16, 2025, moving one win away from their first NBA championship in franchise history. The Thunder's victory, powered by standout performances from Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, gave them a 3-2 series lead as the series heads back to Indiana for Game 6.


Game Recap and Key Moments


The Thunder set the tone early with their suffocating defense, forcing 10 Pacers turnovers in the first half and holding Indiana to 33% shooting. Oklahoma City led by as many as 14 points at halftime, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court. Jalen Williams led the charge with a remarkable 40 points, shooting 14-of-25 from the field, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s All-NBA star, contributed 31 points, 10 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals, demonstrating his all-around brilliance.

Despite a valiant effort from the Pacers, who mounted a fourth-quarter comeback to close the gap to just two points, Indiana struggled with 22 turnovers, which the Thunder converted into 32 points. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 28 points, while T.J. McConnell added 18 points off the bench. However, Tyrese Haliburton, hampered by right calf soreness, had a quiet night, scoring only 4 points on 0-for-6 shooting, marking a playoff career-low.

The Thunder’s defensive pressure and rebounding edge (19 offensive rebounds to Indiana’s 18) proved decisive, despite the Pacers shooting a slightly better 45.1% from the field compared to OKC’s 42.6%. Oklahoma City’s ability to maintain composure in the final minutes, fueled by Williams’ and Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch plays, secured the crucial victory.


What’s Next?


With the series now at 3-2, the Thunder are one win away from claiming the NBA title, while the Pacers face a must-win Game 6 at home on June 19, 2025. Indiana will need a healthier Haliburton and better ball security to force a Game 7 in Oklahoma City. For the Thunder, maintaining their defensive intensity and leveraging their star duo will be key to closing out the series.

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