Thunder on the Brink: Oklahoma City Surges Toward First NBA Title in Nearly Half a Century

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 16: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a dunk against Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter in Game Five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 16, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) — OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – JUNE 16: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a dunk against Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter in Game Five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 16, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from basketball immortality. After a decisive 120–109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, the Thunder now lead the series 3–2 and can seal franchise history with a win in Game 6, set for Thursday in Indianapolis.

Game 5 Highlights: Thunder Power, Pacers Wane

Jalen Williams exploded for a playoff career-high 40 points, delivering a momentum-crushing 10–0 run in the fourth quarter .
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP, chipped in 31 points and 10 assists, seamlessly anchoring the offense .
The Thunder defense forced 23 turnovers, converting them into 32 points, stifling Indiana’s rhythm .

Pacers Struggle – Haliburton Held Back

Tyrese Haliburton, battling leg issues, missed all six field-goal attempts, managing just four points—a first for an All-NBA player in Finals history .
Conversely, Pascal Siakam impressed with 28 points, and T.J. McConnell added 18, but their efforts couldn’t overcome Oklahoma City’s dominance .

Road to the Finals: A Tale of Two Cinderella Stories

The Thunder surged to the Finals after a dramatic 4–3 Western Conference Finals win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, showcasing their depth and defense .
Meanwhile, the Pacers upset both the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Cavaliers, then stunned the Knicks 4–2 to reach their first Finals since 2000 .

The Thunder’s emergence continues a historic trend: this will be the seventh different NBA champion in seven seasons, underscoring the league’s newfound parity .

Up Next: Game 6 Showdown in Indianapolis

Thursday, June 19, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse – the Pacers’ fortress with a 9-1 playoff home record .

Thunder enter with confidence, hoping to clinch their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008 (their last as the SuperSonics was in 1979) .
Pacers face a must-win scenario. Haliburton is expected back despite his calf injury .

With momentum firmly in their corner and home-court advantage advantage secured if a Game 7 becomes necessary, the Thunder have international attention. Tyrese Haliburton’s comeback and matchup strength of the Pacers promise a gripping contest.

Game 6 will determine if Oklahoma City brings its first NBA championship to the city—or if Indiana forces a dramatic Game 7 back at the Paycom Center on Sunday, June 22.