OKC Thunder take a 3-2 NBA Finals lead over the Pacers on June 15, 2025. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 26 points lead the way. Can they win it all?
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The Larry O'Brien Trophy is so close, Oklahoma City can almost taste it. In a deafening Paycom Center on Sunday night, the Thunder delivered a statement performance, dismantling the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 to take a commanding 3-2 lead in the 2025 NBA Finals. Now, just one more victory stands between this young, electrifying team and the city's first NBA championship.
The Thunder are now one victory away from their first NBA title since moving to Oklahoma City.
When the lights were brightest, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was simply transcendent. Every time the Pacers threatened to make a run, SGA had an answer. He poured in a game-high 26 points, completely taking over the fourth quarter to ensure there would be no late-game collapse. His ability to slither to the rim and hit tough mid-range jumpers proved to be the dagger, solidifying his case as the best player in this series. This is just what he does; his postseason scoring average of 27.8 points per game is a testament to his consistent greatness.
While SGA's offense stole the headlines, it was OKC's suffocating defense that broke the Pacers' will. The second half was a defensive clinic, with Alex Caruso and Lu Dort applying relentless pressure on the perimeter and Chet Holmgren serving as the ultimate rim protector. The Thunder held Indiana to a meager 17 points in the final frame, turning a competitive game into a comfortable win. Holmgren's impact can't be overstated, and his series-leading 2.8 blocks per game have been a cornerstone of this championship push.
This wasn't a one-man show. Jalen Williams provided critical secondary scoring with timely buckets that stalled Indiana's momentum. On the interior, Isaiah Hartenstein continued his stellar work on the glass, leading the team with 8.8 rebounds per game this postseason. And you can't forget the hustle plays from players like Alex Caruso, whose 2.2 steals per game have set the defensive tone all playoffs. From top to bottom, every player understood the assignment, contributing to a balanced attack that the Pacers, even with 24 points from Pascal Siakam, just couldn't solve.
And so, the series shifts back to Indiana for Game 6. The Thunder have two chances to close this out, but you know they want to finish the job on Tuesday. They are on the brink of history, 48 minutes away from hoisting the trophy. The pressure is on, but this Thunder team has proven all season long that they are built for these moments. Get ready, OKC. The dream is within reach.
