The OKC Thunder held strong at home in Game 5, grabbing a 3-2 series lead over the Indiana Pacers. Game 6 is Thursday night in Indy.
Jalen Williams was on fire, scoring 40 points along with six rebounds and four assists, a new playoff career high for him.
Williams had plenty of help. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31 points, two rebounds, and 10 assists, while Chet Holmgren added nine points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks.
Despite the loss, the Pacers maintained a balanced scoring effort, with five players hitting double digits, but their 23 turnovers unfortunately held them back.
The Thunder jumped out to a solid 14-point lead in the first half, thanks to Williams’ 16 points and a strong team defense. Cason Wallace already had three steals, and Chet Holmgren added three blocks by halftime. They also pressured the Pacers into 10 turnovers in the first half alone, which turned into 23 turnovers overall, leading to 32 points for the Thunder.
The Thunder kept their momentum going, maintaining the lead for three quarters until the Pacers made a late push, spearheaded by Pascal Siakam, who scored 13 points in the start of the quarter until the 7-minutes mark, and until the high arching three by Lu Dort that spark another run for the Thunder to regain the lead and never looked back. With the timely baskets from Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder also forced eight turnovers for the Pacers in the 4th Quarter, negating the comeback attempt from the Pacers.
Pacers’ lead guard Tyrese Haliburton had a tough time, managing just four points, seven rebounds, and six assists. On the other hand, Pascal Siakam shone in this game, racking up 28 points, six rebounds, and five assists, along with three steals and two blocks on defense.
In his post-game interview, Indiana Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle commented on Haliburton’s health status: He’s not a hundred percent, but I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game. This is a lifetime opportunity. Not many guys are going to sit, even if they are a little banged up.
Haliburton left the floor with 1:56 left in the first quarter and went back to the visitors’ locker room at Paycom Center. When he came back into the arena bowl early in the second quarter, he had his right calf wrapped and iced.
The Pacers’ home return should give them a boost, and they’ll need it to keep the series alive and send the teams back to Oklahoma City for Sunday night’s finale. Otherwise, OKC will celebrate on the road.
