The Oklahoma City Thunder are just one win away from an NBA title after beating the Indiana Pacers in last night’s Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers 120– 109 in Game 5 on Monday night, taking a 3-2 series lead.
Game 6 is set for Thursday night in Indianapolis.
Updated 2025 NBA Playoff Bracket
The Thunder victory marks the first time the Pacers have lost in consecutive games in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Indiana now also finds itself on the verge of elimination for the first time in this postseason.
It didn’t have to be this way. In the late third quarter in Game 4, the Pacers looked like they were on the cusp of a 3-1 series lead. But OKC thundered back in the fourth to take a late-game lead for good.
Monday, June 16 — NBA Finals Game 5 Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder 120, Indiana Pacers 109
Thunder lead the NBA Finals series 3–2
The Thunder came out aggressive, building an 18-point lead in the first half behind crisp ball movement and perimeter defense that forced Indiana into mistakes.
But the Pacers, true to their playoff identity, refused to go quietly. Indiana stormed back late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, cutting the deficit to just two with under nine minutes to play. That’s when Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander closed the door.
Williams had a career playoff night — pouring in 40 points on 14-of-24 shooting, including 24 in the second half. Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists, taking over in the final minutes with his signature midrange precision and clutch free throws.
The Pacers saw big contributions from Pascal Siakam, who scored 28, and TJ McConnell, who put up 13 points in seven minutes in the third-quarter comeback. But Tyrese Haliburton was held back by a calf injury, ending the night without a single field goal made. That, along with the Pacers’ 22 turnovers, made the difference in the game. OKC’s pressure defense was relentless, with 15 steals and 12 blocked shots.
The series now heads back to Indiana for Game 6. The Thunder look to close it out — but don’t count out the Pacers.
Series Prediction: Thunder in seven.
Next Game: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 8:30 PM Eastern, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
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