On the night of June 16–17, the atmosphere inside Paycom Center in Oklahoma City was electric as the Oklahoma City Thunder surged past the Indiana Pacers with a commanding 120–109 victory in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

The win gives the Thunder a crucial 3–2 lead in the best-of-seven series, putting them just one game away from clinching their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle. Backed by a deafening home crowd, OKC delivered a high-octane performance, blending explosive offense with suffocating defense.

Jalen Williams was unstoppable, dropping a career-playoff-high 40 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added a crucial double-double — 31 points and 10 assists. Rookie sensation Chet Holmgren anchored the defense with two emphatic blocks, setting the tone early and frustrating Indiana's rhythm.

The Pacers showed resilience, with Pascal Siakam scoring 28 points and T.J. McConnell adding 18, but a lingering injury to star guard Tyrese Haliburton proved costly. Limited in minutes and clearly not at 100%, Haliburton managed just 4 points, and his absence was felt in the clutch, particularly during a decisive third-quarter run by the Thunder.

Game 6 is set for June 20 in Indianapolis, where the Pacers will face elimination on their home court. With Haliburton’s status uncertain, Indiana’s hopes of forcing a Game 7 — and keeping their championship dream alive — hang by a thread.