Introduction – Game 5 Sets the Stage for NBA Finals History

The 2025 NBA Finals have been nothing short of spectacular. With two emerging teams—the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers—battling it out for basketball’s most coveted prize, Game 5 turned into a defining moment. While the headlines often feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), it was Jalen Williams who stole the spotlight this time, helping OKC secure a pivotal 3-2 series lead.

Set inside a roaring Paycom Center, Game 5 had everything: lead changes, dramatic dunks, clutch three-pointers, and unforgettable performances. For fans asking “who won the Pacers game?”, the answer on this night was the Thunder—by a razor-thin margin in one of the most thrilling NBA Finals games in years.

Jalen Williams: The Rising Star OKC Needed

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been OKC’s consistent MVP, Jalen Williams has been their X-factor. In Game 5, Williams posted an electric stat line:

• Points: 28

• Assists: 7

• Rebounds: 9

• Steals: 2

• Blocks: 1

• Field Goal %: 57%

Williams dominated on both ends of the floor. His versatility allowed Coach Mark Daigneault to match him up against Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard and even guard wings like Bennedict Mathurin. When asked post-game about his performance, Jalen said, “This is what we dream of—NBA Finals, Game 5, your team needs you, and you deliver.”

 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Still the Silent Assassin

SGA, as always, was clinical. His 31 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds solidified his reputation as one of the league’s best closers. Every time Indiana rallied, Shai answered—either with a smooth mid-range jumper or a no-look dime to Chet Holmgren.

Shai’s basketball IQ and patience under pressure gave OKC the edge late in the fourth quarter. With the shot clock winding down and the score tied at 104, Gilgeous-Alexander sank a crucial step-back three over Aaron Nesmith—arguably the shot of the night.

Game 5 Final Score: Thunder 113, Pacers 110

Final Score: OKC Thunder 113 – Indiana Pacers 110

This game was close from tip-off to buzzer. Neither team led by more than 8 points at any moment, and there were 17 lead changes. The final scoreline reflected the even match-up, and for fans asking “what’s the score of the Pacers game?”, this will be remembered as a heartbreaker for Indiana.

 OKC Thunder’s Supporting Cast Steps Up

Key Contributors:

• Chet Holmgren: 14 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks

• Aaron Wiggins: 10 points off the bench

• Josh Giddey: Quiet offensively, but dished out 6 assists

• Tony Bradley: Provided valuable minutes as a backup center

Coach Daigneault’s rotation decisions were pivotal. He trusted Wiggins in key defensive possessions, which slowed down Indiana’s backcourt scoring.

 Indiana Pacers: A Gritty Fight Comes Up Short

Despite the loss, Indiana played with heart. Their youth, speed, and bench depth kept the Thunder from running away with the game.

Top Pacers Performers:

• Tyrese Haliburton: 25 points, 13 assists

• Andrew Nembhard: 19 points, 6 rebounds

• T.J. McConnell: 8 points, 5 assists in limited minutes

• Myles Turner: 15 points, 3 blocks

Coach Rick Carlisle credited OKC’s late-game execution but remained optimistic, saying, “We’re going back home. Game 6 is ours.”

 NBA Finals 2025: Full Series Recap So Far

• Game 1: Pacers win 106–99 (Haliburton 28 pts)

• Game 2: Thunder bounce back 120–104 (SGA 35 pts)

• Game 3: Thunder edge Pacers 108–102 (Jalen Williams 21 pts)

• Game 4: Pacers even series 101–98 (Myles Turner 18 pts, 4 blocks)

• Game 5: Thunder win 113–110 (Williams & SGA shine)

With OKC leading the NBA Finals 2025 series 3–2, all eyes are now on Game 6, set to take place in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana.

 Where to Watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers

If you’re wondering “Where to watch the NBA Finals live?”, here’s how:

USA Viewers:

• ABC / ESPN: Exclusive TV broadcast

• NBA League Pass: Live stream with finals access

• Hulu + Live TV / YouTube TV: Streaming with sports packages

International:

• NBA International League Pass

• FuboTV, DAZN, or TSN (Canada)

Tip-Off Time (Game 6):

• 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM Central Time

Pacers vs Thunder Game 5 Prediction Recap

Many analysts predicted Game 5 to swing OKC’s way—especially with their home-court advantage. ESPN’s pre-game poll showed OKC as 62% favorites, and the betting lines opened with the Thunder at -3.5. Jalen Williams’ performance exceeded all expectations, proving that OKC is more than just Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

 What to Expect in NBA Finals Game 6

Game 6 could be historic. A win would mean OKC captures its first title since the franchise moved from Seattle. Here’s what to watch for:

Thunder Keys to Victory:

• Jalen Williams and SGA maintaining scoring rhythm

• Bench contributions from Wiggins and Bradley

• Containing Haliburton’s playmaking

Pacers Game Plan:

• Exploit home-court momentum

• Early aggression from Nembhard and Turner

• Defensive focus on slowing OKC’s drive-and-kick

The Pacers vs Thunder prediction hinges on Indiana’s response to Game 5’s narrow loss. Expect a high-octane showdown.

 NBA Finals Stats Leaders

The NBA Finals stats make one thing clear—SGA and Haliburton are the engines, but it’s the supporting cast that will determine the outcome.

 How Many Games in NBA Finals?

The NBA Finals is a best-of-seven series. That means the first team to win four games becomes NBA Champion. With OKC leading 3–2, Game 6 could be the clincher—or it could force a Game 7.

 Thunder vs Pacers: A New Rivalry in the Making?

The 2025 NBA Finals may mark the beginning of a new NBA rivalry. Both OKC and Indiana feature:

• Young rosters

• Smart front offices

• Excellent coaching

• Fan bases hungry for glory

Add in stars like SGA, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Haliburton, Turner, and Nembhard, and you have the recipe for future playoff classics.

 OKC Thunder Roster Spotlight

• SGA (G)

• Jalen Williams (G/F)

• Chet Holmgren (C)

• Josh Giddey (G)

• Lu Dort (F)

• Aaron Wiggins (G)

• Tony Bradley (C)

• Isaiah Joe (G)

The OKC roster blends scoring, size, and defensive versatility—a nightmare matchup in the modern NBA.

 Indiana Pacers Players to Watch

• Tyrese Haliburton

• Andrew Nembhard

• Myles Turner

• T.J. McConnell

• Obi Toppin

• Bennedict Mathurin

• Aaron Nesmith

With youth on their side, the Indiana Pacers players are built for long-term success.

Conclusion – Thunder’s Title Within Reach

Game 5 of the NBA Finals 2025 reminded us why we love basketball: drama, talent, unpredictability. With Jalen Williams stepping up, SGA staying elite, and the OKC crowd pushing their team forward, the Thunder now sit just one win away from a championship.

Can the Pacers force a Game 7? Or will Oklahoma City finish the job in Indiana? One thing’s certain—Game 6 will be must-watch basketball.