NBA Finals Game 5 box score, stats: Jalen Williams, Thunder beat Pacers, move to brink of title
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When Mark Daigneault said each game of these NBA Finals would take on a life of its own, he wasn't kidding.
The Thunder's Game 5 win, 120-109, was unlike any of the others.
Oklahoma City, weighed down thus far by its lack of ball movement and scarcity of 3-point attempts, shot and made more 3s than the ever-chucking Pacers — it was 14 of 32 from deep.
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It has seemingly gone undercover for much of this series, its typical turnover-thriving identity hidden behind shades. Monday's game was closer to regular-season dominance. The Thunder forced 22 turnovers, resulting in a series-high 32 points off turnovers.
Oh yeah — Jalen Williams, questioned his fair share in these playoffs was nuclear. He appeared to be shot from hell's cannon. Flames followed his trail. His strides peaked 30 miles above speed limit, worthy of a court date in the great state of Oklahoma. He ran and ran, Forrest Gump's reincarnation. When he stopped, he had a career high 40 points in the biggest game of his life.
He also posted six rebounds, four assists and four steals, leading the charge in the win that puts the Thunder a game away from its first NBA title.
RECAP: Thunder storms past Pacers in NBA Finals Game 5 as Jalen Williams scores 40
NBA Finals Game 5: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers box score, stats
5 TAKEAWAYS: OKC Thunder nears first title after dominating NBA Finals Game 5 vs Pacers
NBA Finals schedule: Thunder vs. Pacers
All times are Central
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More: Nikola Topić injury update: How is OKC Thunder rookie guard progressing from ACL tear?
Joel Lorenzi covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joel? He can be reached at jlorenzi@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @joelxlorenzi. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Joel's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA Finals Game 5 box score: OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers stats
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