Oklahoma City Moves Within One Win of First NBA Title in 46 Years

The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the cusp of making history, moving within one win of their first NBA championship in 46 years after a thrilling 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA finals. The Thunder now hold a 3-2 series lead and will look to clinch their first title since 1979 in Game 6 on Thursday in Indianapolis.

Jalen Williams erupted for a career playoff-high 40 points, while MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists to lead the Thunder to a hard-fought victory. The Thunder’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with Williams drilling a three-pointer and a mid-range jumper to extend the lead. The Thunder’s bench also contributed significantly, with Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins providing timely buckets to help seal the win.

The Pacers, however, refused to go down without a fight, with TJ McConnell scoring 13 of his 18 points in the third quarter to help Indiana claw back from a 18-point deficit. Pascal Siakam also chipped in with 28 points, but the Pacers’ offense was hindered by the absence of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was limited to just four points and six assists due to a lingering lower leg injury.

Despite a furious rally from the Pacers, the Thunder held firm, with Gilgeous-Alexander drawing contact to get to the line and knocking down key free throws. The Thunder’s defense, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein, was instrumental in the victory, forcing 23 Pacers giveaways that led to 32 points. The Thunder also outscored Indiana 25-14 over the next seven minutes to put the game out of reach.

The Thunder’s victory has given them a significant advantage in the series, with teams that win Game 5 of an NBA finals tied 2-2 going on to win the title 74% of the time. The Pacers, however, will look to force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday night back in Oklahoma City, where they have a 9-1 record in the playoffs.

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the series, with the Thunder on the brink of history and the Pacers fighting to stay alive. Will the Thunder be able to close out the series and bring home their first championship since 1979, or will the Pacers mount a comeback to force a deciding Game 7? The world will be watching as these two teams clash in what promises to be an epic conclusion to the NBA finals.