Jalen Williams Shines as Thunder Move One Win Away from NBA Title

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Thunder had an 18-point advantage whittled down to just two points when Jalen Williams received the basketball on the right wing.

Williams, who has made his mark as a first-time All-Star in his third NBA season, confidently sank a crucial 3-pointer, effectively stopping the Indiana Pacers’ rally.

This standout moment was the crowning achievement of Williams’ career-best 40-point game, propelling the Thunder to a 120-109 victory in the crucial Game 5 of the NBA Finals. That decisive 3-pointer ignited an 18-6 run, highlighted by Williams’ driving layups and a successful free throw, firmly securing the game for Oklahoma City and putting them within a single victory of their first championship since relocating to the city.

“He showed incredible courage tonight,” praised Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “Every time we needed a big shot, he was there. He just wouldn’t back down.”

Gilgeous-Alexander lived up to his MVP reputation with another stellar outing, contributing 31 points, 10 assists, two blocks, and a pair of steals integral to the fourth-quarter surge. This marked his 15th game scoring over 30 points this postseason, a feat only Michael Jordan in 1992 and Hakeem Olajuwon in 1995 have surpassed.

Nonetheless, history will remember this game as Williams’ night.

At age 24, Williams achieved a new playoff career high with 40 points on 14 out of 25 attempts, including three out of five from beyond the arc, surpassing his prior 34-point accomplishment in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the Western Conference Finals. His performance catapulted him into elite company, being the third-youngest to score at least 40 points in a Finals game, following only Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook.

“It’s something I’ll reflect on later rather than concerning myself with making a statement,” remarked Williams, who also added six rebounds and four assists during the win. “Right now, the statement is that we’re up 3-2 and we need to secure another win.”

Williams has been pivotal in positioning the Thunder for a potential championship clinch in Thursday’s Game 6.

He has consistently delivered at least 25 points and five rebounds over the past three games, a streak not achieved by anyone under 25 since Shaquille O’Neal in 1995. Accumulating 91 points in these encounters marks the highest three-game scoring total of his playoff career, as he adeptly handled point guard duties to ease the load on Gilgeous-Alexander amidst the Pacers’ relentless full-court defense.

“I’m just staying aggressive,” Williams stated. “I have great support from the staff and my teammates, enabling me to explore my game, pinpoint spots on the court, and make dynamic plays. It’s about selecting opportunities to do what’s needed to secure the win. Not every game will be a 40-point game, but I’ll do whatever it takes.”

In Game 5, Williams attacked with vigor, converting 9 out of 16 shots near the basket, almost all resulting from strong drives. This particular aspect of his game has been a focal point of development this season.

“His best games are when he plays with that kind of intensity,” asserted Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “He was remarkable tonight, applying continuous pressure and repeatedly making the right choices. We need him to come out with the same focus in Game 6.”

Williams entered the season driven to prove himself after a challenging second-round series last year when the Thunder were ousted by the Dallas Mavericks. He has since made significant strides, posting career highs with 21.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals, earning All-NBA third-team and All-Defense second-team honors.

Williams experienced highs and lows during the playoffs, including a shooting slump in the series against the Denver Nuggets, but he has consistently delivered when it mattered most for the Thunder. With averages of 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.4 steals, he has laid to rest any doubts about whether he can stand alongside Gilgeous-Alexander as a worthy co-star on a championship-caliber team.

“He’s earned this moment,” Gilgeous-Alexander affirmed. “But there’s one more game to win, and I know he’s determined to finish the job.”