The Oklahoma City Thunder saw their commanding 18-point lead shrink down to just two late in the game when the ball zipped over to Jalen Williams on the right wing. With the pressure cranked to the max, Williams—a first-time All-Star in just his third NBA season—rose up and drained a clutch 3-pointer, halting the Indiana Pacers’ momentum in its tracks.
That shot wasn’t just timely—it was monumental. It sparked a decisive 18-6 run that included two powerful drives and a free throw from Williams, sealing a 120-109 victory for the Thunder in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. With that, Oklahoma City now sits one win away from securing its first NBA championship since the franchise's move to OKC.
“He was really gutsy tonight,” praised Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “He stepped into big plays. Every time we needed a shot, he made it. He wasn’t afraid—he was fearless tonight.”
And fearless he was. While Gilgeous-Alexander posted yet another MVP-level performance with 31 points, 10 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals, the night truly belonged to Williams. His 40-point explosion on 14-of-25 shooting (including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc) not only marked a career playoff high, but also placed him in elite company—becoming the third-youngest player in NBA Finals history to drop 40, behind only Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook.
“It’s something I’ll appreciate later,” said Williams, who also contributed 6 rebounds and 4 assists. “Right now, the only statement we’re making is that we’re up 3-2—but we still have to go out and earn that last win.”
Over the past three games, Williams has been on a tear, averaging at least 25 points and 5 rebounds—a feat not accomplished in the NBA Finals by someone under 25 since Shaquille O’Neal in 1995. His 91-point total over that stretch is the highest three-game playoff output of his career, and he’s also taken on a heavier load at the point to help ease the pressure on Gilgeous-Alexander against Indiana’s relentless full-court press.
“I’m just staying aggressive,” said Williams. “My coaches and teammates trust me to go out there and figure things out—find my rhythm, pick my spots, and do whatever I need to help us win. It’s not always going to be 40 or even 25. It’s about doing what it takes to get the win.”
In Game 5, Williams was in attack mode—9-of-16 on shots at the rim, most of them via aggressive drives, showcasing a skill he focused hard on improving all season.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was full of praise: “When he’s at his best, he’s playing with that force. He was full throttle all night—pressuring, making smart plays, and staying in control. We’ll need that same mindset from him in Game 6.”
Coming into the season, Williams had a point to prove. After struggling in last year’s second-round exit against the Dallas Mavericks, he responded with a breakout year—averaging 21.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals, earning All-NBA Third Team and All-Defense Second Team honors.
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing. He had a rough patch in the second round against the Denver Nuggets, shooting just 10-of-43 over three games. But time and again, he’s stepped up when it matters most, proving he’s not just a sidekick to Gilgeous-Alexander—he’s a legitimate co-star on a championship-caliber team.
“He deserves this moment,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “But we’re not done yet. We’ve got one more to win—and I know he’s not satisfied.”