The Thunder need just one more win to claim the NBA title, thanks to Jalen Williams. The third-year forward poured in 40 points in Game 5 as Oklahoma City took a 3-2 series lead over the Pacers.
“He was really gutsy tonight,” MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said during the post-game press conference, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “He stepped into big plays. Felt like every time we needed a shot, he made it. He wasn’t afraid. He was fearless tonight.”
Williams became the third-youngest player to score at least 40 points in an NBA Finals game, trailing only Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook.
“It’s something more that I’ll look back on later than worry about what kind statement it makes,” he said. “I think the only statement we have right now is we’re up 3-2 and we have to still go earn another win.”
Williams is eligible for a rookie scale extension this offseason that could be worth a projected $246MM over five years. The maximum value could increase to a projected $296MM if Williams makes an All-NBA team again in 2026 after earning a spot on the All-NBA Third Team this season.
Here’s more on the Thunder:
- Williams’ teammates are thrilled for his success. Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic examines how the Thunder forward reached this point. “He’s one of those guys that you want to see succeed, especially when you know him personally,” Chet Holmgren said. “You want to root for him. You want him to do good just because he shows up every single day, does the right things. He’s a good guy off the court, treats everybody well. He’s always respectful. He works really hard. You want to see it pay off for him. … We don’t get here without him playing as good as he’s playing. So, we’ve got to make sure he gets his credit, gets his flowers.”
- While the Thunder shot just 42.6 percent from the field in Game 5, they made 14 of 32 three-point attempts and had 24 assists, compared to 11 turnovers. “It was for sure better,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the team’s offensive flow, according to The Athletic’s Fred Katz. “Ball moved a little bit more. We were more aggressive. We were in the paint making decisions. Yeah, we were good.”
- Their top free agent from last offseason, Isaiah Hartenstein, played a pivotal role with his decision-making, especially in the first half. Hartenstein posted modest stats — four points, eight rebounds (six of them offensive), four assists, one block and one steal in 21 minutes — but his impact was much greater than those raw numbers, according to The Athetic’s Kelly Iko. “I think it’s big,” Hartenstein said. “I think I provide different things, and I can also change my role, that’s the biggest thing. I can adapt. This series has been less scoring and trying to get guys open. Just me being ego-less in that sense helps the team a lot.”
I guess I’ll be the one to give Shai his credit. Yet another incredible game from the boy, 31pts 10asts 6stocks w/ big shots, clamp down defense & elite playmaking throughout… link to m.youtube.com
Match point. Check mate. Game over.
Haliburton stocks are down. Maybe he is overrated after all. This is a few games now where he’s a total non factor.
He’s injured ffs.
He was not injured in the other no-show games, nor was he doing much in the beginning of game 5 before the injury.
Nobody who watched Williams much this year is surprised. He has officially arrived.
In only his 3rd year in the league, Williams was on both All-NBA and All-Defense teams. He is impacting these Finals every moment he’s on the floor.
I’ll take Jalen Williams over Anthony Edwards going forward. There isn’t a better 2-way player in the game right now. Consummate team player, high motor, tough, and smart. Killer.