Thunder move within win of NBA championship after Game 5 win over Pacers
Share this @internewscast.com

OKLAHOMA CITY — Jalen Williams achieved a career playoff-high 40 points, with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributing 31 as the Oklahoma City Thunder moved to within one win of the title by defeating the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.

This marked the 10th — and most significant — occasion on which the Thunder stars combined for over 70 points in a game. Williams shot 14 of 24 from the field, while Gilgeous-Alexander also provided 10 assists.

Pascal Siakam scored 28 points for Indiana, which now trails the series 3-2 and will host Game 6 on Thursday night. TJ McConnell contributed 18 for the Pacers, who reduced an 18-point gap to four in the fourth quarter before watching the Thunder regain and maintain their lead.

And now, everything favors the Thunder.

Teams that win Game 5 of an NBA Finals that was tied at 2-2 have gone on to win the series 23 times in 31 previous opportunities, or 74%. And teams with a 3-2 lead in the finals have won 40 times in 49 previous opportunities, or 82%.

But Game 5 was not easy. Far from it.

Down by as many as 18 late in the second quarter, the Pacers — the comeback kings of these playoffs, with as many wins in this postseason from 15 points down or more (five) than the rest of the league has combined, including in Game 1 of this series — did what they do, chipping away. And they did it with Tyrese Haliburton reduced to basically playing decoy on offense because of a leg issue that he aggravated in the first quarter.

Led by McConnell, who scored 13 points in just under seven minutes of the third, the Pacers got within five late in that quarter.

Then, Siakam went to work — a pair of free throws with 9:19 left got Indiana within four, then a 3-pointer about a minute later made it 95-93. In the play-by-play era of the NBA, starting with the 1997 playoffs, teams with leads of 15 points or more in the finals were 80-9.

Make that 81-9 now, and the Thunder are one win away.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
The Latest: What’s in store for the AP Top 25

Breaking Down the Future of the AP Top 25 Rankings

Anticipate minimal changes at the peak of the AP Top 25 rankings,…
Lewis Hamilton mourns beloved dog ahead of Mexico's Day of the Dead

Lewis Hamilton Honors Late Dog During Mexico’s Day of the Dead Remembrance

MEXICO CITY, Oct 23 – Lewis Hamilton has shared how the recent…
Clifford Proctor, LAPD officer at one time, charged with murder in 2015 Venice shooting of unarmed homeless man Brendan Glenn

Former LAPD Officer Faces Murder Charges in 2015 Shooting of Unarmed Homeless Man in Venice

LOS ANGELES — A former Los Angeles police officer has been indicted…
Chicago immigration activity: Video shows agents break car window detain driver in Addison; DHS defends 'crowd control measures'

Video Captures Tense Immigration Arrest in Addison: DHS Stands by Agents’ Actions

CHICAGO — Growing unease surrounds federal activities in the Chicago region, following…
Jaxson Dart welcomes Eagles crowd’s ‘hostility’ for pivotal Giants game in South Philly

Jaxson Dart Embraces Intense Eagles Fans Ahead of Crucial Giants Matchup in South Philly

Jaxson Dart is well-acquainted with playing in unfriendly settings. The rookie quarterback…
Katy Perry, Justin Trudeau spotted holding hands in Paris

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Seen Holding Hands in Paris

In a romantic twist that has captivated the public’s attention, pop sensation…
Louvre director grilled on spectacular security failures, including camera pointing away from key balcony

Masterminds of the Louvre: How Thieves Used a Truck-Mounted Lift to Steal Over $100 Million in Jewels

A group of thieves orchestrated a bold heist at the Louvre Museum…
Mystery man in dapper suit goes viral after appearing in Louvre heist investigation photo

Stylish Stranger in Suit Captures Internet’s Attention Amid Louvre Heist Probe

That’s quite the eye-catching ensemble. A man who inadvertently became part of…
Former Jets center Nick Mangold dies at 41, less than 2 weeks after announcing he had kidney disease

Beloved Jets Star Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Following Kidney Disease Announcement

In 2022, Nick Mangold, a celebrated figure in the New York Jets’…
The Beatles' Ringo Starr, 85, on reuniting with Paul McCartney, the mantra he lives by and what he said to Prince William

Ringo Starr, 85, Shares Insights on Reuniting with Paul McCartney, His Life’s Mantra, and a Memorable Exchange with Prince William

LOS ANGELES — Ringo Starr, the iconic drummer of The Beatles, is…
Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro says he would 'rather die' than use generative AI

Guillermo del Toro Takes a Stand: Filmmaker Declares ‘I’d Rather Die’ Than Use Generative AI in Movies

Del Toro’s recent remarks echo his longstanding skepticism toward technology, as the…
Chicago-area immigration activity: Video shows federal agents break car window, detain occupants in Addison; protest held

Federal Agents Detain Individuals in Addison Following Car Window Breach; Sparks Protest in Chicago Area

In Addison, Illinois, a wave of protest swept through a section of…