With the 2025 NBA Finals shifting back to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5, the Thunder delivered their most complete performance of the series – blowing past the Indiana Pacers to take a 3-2 series lead. In a game full of defensive highlights, coaching decisions, and unexpected stars, it was Jalen Williams who stole the show and ignited Paycom Center with a breakout performance.

Here are four major takeaways from a statement win by OKC:

OKC’s defense smothers Indiana’s rhythm

The Thunder’s defensive identity was the foundation of their Game 5 victory. They swarmed the ball, clogged passing lanes, and applied relentless pressure on Indiana’s guards. OKC forced 17 turnovers, including 10 steals and 6 blocks, dictating the pace from the opening tip and never letting the Pacers find any offensive flow.

Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, and Alex Caruso led the perimeter charge, while Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren walled off the paint. The Thunder’s switch-heavy, help-first scheme disrupted Indiana’s ball movement and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.

This wasn’t just solid defense – it was a masterclass in suffocating execution that led to the victory.

The Jalen Williams takeover game

With the Pacers loading up on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all night, Jalen Williams seized his moment – and then some.

The third-year forward exploded for 40 points on just 24 shots, carving up Indiana’s defense with drives, midrange jumpers, and timely three-pointers. Williams didn’t just score – he controlled the game. His poise, pace, and precision punished every defensive coverage the Pacers threw at him.

This was no fluke performance. Williams had been growing into his role all postseason, but this was the official coming-out party – proof that the Thunder have a legitimate second star capable of taking over an NBA Finals game.

Indiana’s puzzling decision to sit TJ McConnell

When the Pacers needed a spark, T.J. McConnell delivered – at least for a while.

With Tyrese Haliburton clearly hampered by a strained right calf, McConnell took over in the third quarter. He scored 18 points, pushed the pace, and helped trim a 20+ point deficit down to single digits. But in a head-scratching move, head coach Rick Carlisle opted to sit McConnell for the entire fourth quarter in favor of a struggling Haliburton.

Haliburton finished 0-for-4 from the field in 34 minutes and didn’t look like himself at any point. Meanwhile, McConnell – one of the few Pacers with any rhythm – only saw the floor again near the end of the game. It was a questionable coaching decision that halted Indiana’s momentum and left fans wondering what could’ve been.

Haliburton’s status looms large for Game 6

Indiana’s hopes of extending the series hinge on the health of their All-Star guard. Haliburton was clearly limited in Game 5 due to the calf strain. While he tried to gut it out, his effectiveness was minimal, and his mobility looked compromised.

The Pacers will now face an elimination game at home, and Haliburton’s availability – and effectiveness – could define the outcome. If he’s unable to go or continues to play through pain, Carlisle may have to consider leaning more on McConnell or even Andrew Nembhard to stabilize the offense.

OKC, meanwhile, is one win away from capturing the franchise’s first NBA championship since moving to Oklahoma. And with Jalen Williams joining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a legitimate Finals force, the Thunder look like a team peaking at the perfect time.