Player Profile Series: “The Captain” Alvin Patrimonio’s lion heart
10
OKC wins Game 5, moves one win away from the NBA Championship
The Oklahoma City Thunder started and finished strong to secure a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their best-of-seven finals series on Tuesday, June 17 (PH time).
Photo Courtesy: NBA
Jalen Williams stepped up in a big way to lead the Thunder in breaking the tie and grabbing a slim 3-2 advantage in their matchup against the Pacers.
Williams finished with a playoff career-high 40 points, powered by 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc and 9-of-12 from the free throw line. He also tallied six rebounds, four assists, and one steal in his best postseason performance so far.
Season MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed with a double-double of 31 markers and 11 dimes, along with two boards, two deflections, and an impressive four rejections.
Off the bench, Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace provided a crucial spark throughout the game. Wiggins chipped in 14 points, while Wallace added 11, as the duo combined for seven three-pointers.
On the other hand, Pascal Siakam displayed veteran poise and championship experience, leading the Pacers with 28 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. However, his effort wasn't enough to carry the team, which trimmed multiple double-digit deficits down to as low as two points.
He was followed by T.J. McConnell, who provided a spark off the bench with 18 markers, four boards, four dimes, and two deflections in just under 22 minutes of playing time.
Missing for the Eastern Conference champions was their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, who was effectively shut down by the Thunder’s defense.
Haliburton finished with just four points—all from the free throw line—and failed to make a single field goal. He ended the game with a forgettable -13 in net point differential.
The Pacers' main man may have been hampered by a leg injury he suffered earlier in the game, which could explain his struggles. Despite that, he still managed to grab seven rebounds and dish out six assists.
OKC is now just one win away from claiming the NBA championship. They’ll have two chances to do it—first on the road in Indianapolis on Friday, June 20 (PH time), and, if necessary, back home in Oklahoma on Monday, June 23.
