Clemente Almanza: FINAL: Thunder 120, Pacers 109 SGA – 31 points, 10 assists JDub – 40 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists Chet – 9 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks Wiggins – 14 points Haliburton – 4 points, 6 assists Siakam – 28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists McConnell – 18 points OKC leads 3-2
Source: x.com
Source: x.com
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams: “The biggest game thing, I’ve kind of gotten numb to because every game in the NBA Finals is the biggest game.” – 12:37 AM
Jalen Williams: “The biggest game thing, I’ve kind of gotten numb to because every game in the NBA Finals is the biggest game.” – 12:37 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams on his improvement:
“I’m extremely fortunate that I have a coaching staff and teammates that allow me to have those ugly moments in the season…
I’m extremely fortunate I have a coach that allowed me to go through that to be successful.” – 12:34 AM
Jalen Williams on his improvement:
“I’m extremely fortunate that I have a coaching staff and teammates that allow me to have those ugly moments in the season…
I’m extremely fortunate I have a coach that allowed me to go through that to be successful.” – 12:34 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams on being one of only 9 players aged 24 or younger to ever score 40 points in an NBA Finals game:
“We won the game, so that’s cool.” – 12:33 AM
Jalen Williams on being one of only 9 players aged 24 or younger to ever score 40 points in an NBA Finals game:
“We won the game, so that’s cool.” – 12:33 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams on what statement his big game made tonight:
“It’s something more that I’ll look back later on..
The only statement right now is we’re up 3-2 and we gotta go get another win.” – 12:32 AM
Jalen Williams on what statement his big game made tonight:
“It’s something more that I’ll look back later on..
The only statement right now is we’re up 3-2 and we gotta go get another win.” – 12:32 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams on OKC fans:
“It feels like the court is shaking when we’re here..
It’s just so loud here. It’s deafening.
It’s definitely a special thing to be a part of Oklahoma and the team.” pic.x.com/C8gnnI2Sk8 – 12:31 AM
Jalen Williams on OKC fans:
“It feels like the court is shaking when we’re here..
It’s just so loud here. It’s deafening.
It’s definitely a special thing to be a part of Oklahoma and the team.” pic.x.com/C8gnnI2Sk8 – 12:31 AM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Isaiah Hartenstein on Jalen Williams “he’s amazing, man. He’s amazing on and off the court. Today he stepped up big…We have a lot of trust in him” – 12:27 AM
Isaiah Hartenstein on Jalen Williams “he’s amazing, man. He’s amazing on and off the court. Today he stepped up big…We have a lot of trust in him” – 12:27 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Chet Holmgren on Jalen Williams:
“He’s one of those guys you want to see succeed.
Especially when you know him personally.
He treats everyone well. He’s always respectful.
We gotta make sure he gets his credit, gets his flowers.” – 12:25 AM
Chet Holmgren on Jalen Williams:
“He’s one of those guys you want to see succeed.
Especially when you know him personally.
He treats everyone well. He’s always respectful.
We gotta make sure he gets his credit, gets his flowers.” – 12:25 AM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
“I’m not surprised by his performance… he works, this is no fluke” – SGA on Jalen Williams big night. pic.x.com/j4P6bvv32U – 12:03 AM
“I’m not surprised by his performance… he works, this is no fluke” – SGA on Jalen Williams big night. pic.x.com/j4P6bvv32U – 12:03 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
SGA on Jalen Williams:
“He does so many things for us as a basketball team..
He was great tonight. Makes a world of difference..
He was really gutsy tonight.” pic.x.com/8aQAjdvy1B – 11:56 PM
SGA on Jalen Williams:
“He does so many things for us as a basketball team..
He was great tonight. Makes a world of difference..
He was really gutsy tonight.” pic.x.com/8aQAjdvy1B – 11:56 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams is just the 9th player aged 24 or younger to score 40 points in an NBA Finals game.
JDub joins this list:
Devin Booker
Kyrie Irving
Russell Westbrook
Dwyane Wade
Magic Johnson
Rick Barry
Jerry West
George Mikan – 11:54 PM
Jalen Williams is just the 9th player aged 24 or younger to score 40 points in an NBA Finals game.
JDub joins this list:
Devin Booker
Kyrie Irving
Russell Westbrook
Dwyane Wade
Magic Johnson
Rick Barry
Jerry West
George Mikan – 11:54 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Story: Jalen Williams steps up in Game 5, helps Thunder hold off Pacers to seize control of Finals @washingtonpost @postsports
washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/06… – 11:43 PM
Story: Jalen Williams steps up in Game 5, helps Thunder hold off Pacers to seize control of Finals @washingtonpost @postsports
washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/06… – 11:43 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Jalen Williams, four-level scorer in Game 5:
– 9/16 FGs in paint
– 9/12 free throws
– 2/4 midrange/non-paint 2s
– 3/5 3s
Also added 4 assists, only 1 turnover. Ninth player ever with 40+ points without multiple turnovers in a NBA Finals game. pic.x.com/3bqjKUFoQC – 11:39 PM
Jalen Williams, four-level scorer in Game 5:
– 9/16 FGs in paint
– 9/12 free throws
– 2/4 midrange/non-paint 2s
– 3/5 3s
Also added 4 assists, only 1 turnover. Ninth player ever with 40+ points without multiple turnovers in a NBA Finals game. pic.x.com/3bqjKUFoQC – 11:39 PM
Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
Jalen Williams, at 24y 63d old, is the youngest player to score 40 in an NBA Finals game since …
Russell Westbrook in 2012 (23y, 220d)
Before that?
Magic Johnson in 1980. (20y, 276d) pic.x.com/bw1xDNJLly – 11:23 PM
Jalen Williams, at 24y 63d old, is the youngest player to score 40 in an NBA Finals game since …
Russell Westbrook in 2012 (23y, 220d)
Before that?
Magic Johnson in 1980. (20y, 276d) pic.x.com/bw1xDNJLly – 11:23 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
wonder if this bugs Knicks fans from 2022 draft, trading out + stranding Jalen Williams pic.x.com/KystbKde7Z – 11:14 PM
wonder if this bugs Knicks fans from 2022 draft, trading out + stranding Jalen Williams pic.x.com/KystbKde7Z – 11:14 PM
Micah Adams @MAdamsStatGuy
Jalen Williams just turned 24.
Here are the players younger than him to score 40 in a NBA Finals game:
Magic Johnson.
Rick Barry.
Russell Westbrook.
Jerry West.
That’s it. – 11:13 PM
Jalen Williams just turned 24.
Here are the players younger than him to score 40 in a NBA Finals game:
Magic Johnson.
Rick Barry.
Russell Westbrook.
Jerry West.
That’s it. – 11:13 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Finals MVP tie between SGA and Jalen Williams because someone accidentally voted for Jaylin Williams. – 11:13 PM
Finals MVP tie between SGA and Jalen Williams because someone accidentally voted for Jaylin Williams. – 11:13 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
Here’s something I wrote about Jalen Williams before the season started pic.x.com/hyq368QfYD – 11:11 PM
Here’s something I wrote about Jalen Williams before the season started pic.x.com/hyq368QfYD – 11:11 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Only players younger than 24-year-old Jalen Williams to score 40 points in a NBA Finals game: Jerry West, Russell Westbrook, Rick Barry, Magic Johnson. – 11:10 PM
Only players younger than 24-year-old Jalen Williams to score 40 points in a NBA Finals game: Jerry West, Russell Westbrook, Rick Barry, Magic Johnson. – 11:10 PM
Jonathan Wasserman @NBADraftWass
Jalen Williams had to scrimmage at the NBA combine because a month before the draft he was still trying to solidify himself as a surefire first-rounder – 11:09 PM
Jalen Williams had to scrimmage at the NBA combine because a month before the draft he was still trying to solidify himself as a surefire first-rounder – 11:09 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
A 40-point night in the Finals from a third-year player. Just unbelievable. Credit to Jalen Williams, who has been fantastic. – 11:07 PM
A 40-point night in the Finals from a third-year player. Just unbelievable. Credit to Jalen Williams, who has been fantastic. – 11:07 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
That’s 40 points for Jalen Williams He has been special these last three games — but especially tonight. – 11:07 PM
That’s 40 points for Jalen Williams He has been special these last three games — but especially tonight. – 11:07 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams has a 40 point NBA Finals game.
Cannot overstate how great JDub has been tonight. – 11:07 PM
Jalen Williams has a 40 point NBA Finals game.
Cannot overstate how great JDub has been tonight. – 11:07 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Jalen Williams has scored more points tonight in Game 5 than Scottie Pippen ever scored in any of Pippen’s 208 career postseason games. – 11:05 PM
Jalen Williams has scored more points tonight in Game 5 than Scottie Pippen ever scored in any of Pippen’s 208 career postseason games. – 11:05 PM
Chris Vernon @ChrisVernonShow
Jalen Williams has been absolutely incredible. An all-time sidekick game. – 11:04 PM
Jalen Williams has been absolutely incredible. An all-time sidekick game. – 11:04 PM
Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
Jalen Williams’ one-handed scoop high off the glass is one of the few NBA signature moves – 11:03 PM
Jalen Williams’ one-handed scoop high off the glass is one of the few NBA signature moves – 11:03 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
and testament to the thunder’s relentless churn
they’ve had an answer every single time
pressure of this series is turning jalen williams into a confirmed diamond – 11:03 PM
and testament to the thunder’s relentless churn
they’ve had an answer every single time
pressure of this series is turning jalen williams into a confirmed diamond – 11:03 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Jalen Williams has a postseason career high points (previous high: 34 at Minnesota). – 11:02 PM
Jalen Williams has a postseason career high points (previous high: 34 at Minnesota). – 11:02 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Jalen Williams… not enough can be said about this guy. On his way to a 40-ball in a 2-2 series in the biggest series, biggest game of his life – 11:02 PM
Jalen Williams… not enough can be said about this guy. On his way to a 40-ball in a 2-2 series in the biggest series, biggest game of his life – 11:02 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Jalen Williams has gone scorched earth. Indiana needs a timeout as Game 5 is slipping away. The Paycom Center is ROCKING. The third year swingman has 37 points. – 11:02 PM
Jalen Williams has gone scorched earth. Indiana needs a timeout as Game 5 is slipping away. The Paycom Center is ROCKING. The third year swingman has 37 points. – 11:02 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
SGA and Jalen Williams have been unbelievable tonight.
Huge play after huge play after the Pacers cut it down to 2 points. – 11:01 PM
SGA and Jalen Williams have been unbelievable tonight.
Huge play after huge play after the Pacers cut it down to 2 points. – 11:01 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
How Jalen Williams is taking that contact and not getting an and-1 with what they have called tonight is unreal. – 11:00 PM
How Jalen Williams is taking that contact and not getting an and-1 with what they have called tonight is unreal. – 11:00 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Spongebob didn’t need water as much as OKC needed that Jalen Williams 3. – 10:54 PM
Spongebob didn’t need water as much as OKC needed that Jalen Williams 3. – 10:54 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Indiana has been the much better team in the second half, where games are won, and Jalen Williams just got his fourth foul. Pacers knock down the FTs, it’s 94-90. 9:19 left. – 10:51 PM
Indiana has been the much better team in the second half, where games are won, and Jalen Williams just got his fourth foul. Pacers knock down the FTs, it’s 94-90. 9:19 left. – 10:51 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Jalen Williams with the tough bucket to end the third 💪
OKC up by 8 on ABC 👀 #NBAFinals pic.x.com/kwrqMn8yIz – 10:39 PM
Jalen Williams with the tough bucket to end the third 💪
OKC up by 8 on ABC 👀 #NBAFinals pic.x.com/kwrqMn8yIz – 10:39 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
87-79 after 3. Pacers only in it because TJ McConnell scored 13 in the quarter. Haliburton only with two FT’s.
Jalen Williams with 29, SGA with 22 – 10:36 PM
87-79 after 3. Pacers only in it because TJ McConnell scored 13 in the quarter. Haliburton only with two FT’s.
Jalen Williams with 29, SGA with 22 – 10:36 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
OKC had a dreadful third frame, Jalen Williams banks a drive to put them up 87-79 at the end of the period and they need a STRONG fourth to take Game 5. Going to be a fun final frame. It felt worse than a 6 point swing, which is a credit to Indiana. – 10:35 PM
OKC had a dreadful third frame, Jalen Williams banks a drive to put them up 87-79 at the end of the period and they need a STRONG fourth to take Game 5. Going to be a fun final frame. It felt worse than a 6 point swing, which is a credit to Indiana. – 10:35 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Jalen Williams stuffed the stat sheet in that first half.
scoring: 16 points on 6/12 FGs, 3/3 FTs
rebounding: 3
playmaking: 3 assists, zero turnovers
defense: a steal
shooting: a 3 – 9:51 PM
Jalen Williams stuffed the stat sheet in that first half.
scoring: 16 points on 6/12 FGs, 3/3 FTs
rebounding: 3
playmaking: 3 assists, zero turnovers
defense: a steal
shooting: a 3 – 9:51 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
A pretty dominant first half. Jalen Williams, again, improving with every game. And SGA with an under control performance so far.
OKC in firm control, 59-45 – 9:45 PM
A pretty dominant first half. Jalen Williams, again, improving with every game. And SGA with an under control performance so far.
OKC in firm control, 59-45 – 9:45 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Jalen Williams have all made catch-and-shoot 3-pointers in the first half of Game 5.
Those three combined to make only two catch-and-shoot 3s in the first four games of the 2025 NBA Finals. – 9:37 PM
Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Jalen Williams have all made catch-and-shoot 3-pointers in the first half of Game 5.
Those three combined to make only two catch-and-shoot 3s in the first four games of the 2025 NBA Finals. – 9:37 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Only three players had a higher max vertical leap at the 2022 combine than Jalen Williams, and only one had a higher standing vertical leap.
And I’m reminded of that every time Williams shows the burst to attack the rim and finish with powerful dunks the way that he does. – 9:25 PM
Only three players had a higher max vertical leap at the 2022 combine than Jalen Williams, and only one had a higher standing vertical leap.
And I’m reminded of that every time Williams shows the burst to attack the rim and finish with powerful dunks the way that he does. – 9:25 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Jalen Williams with back to back energy giving rim-finishes including this and-1 to put OKC up 44-32. Timeout Indiana. – 9:23 PM
Jalen Williams with back to back energy giving rim-finishes including this and-1 to put OKC up 44-32. Timeout Indiana. – 9:23 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams checking back in.
Thunder fans: pic.x.com/bF2As8I1I7 – 9:17 PM
Jalen Williams checking back in.
Thunder fans: pic.x.com/bF2As8I1I7 – 9:17 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Jalen Williams still hasn’t found his jump shot. He missed all three of his attempts outside the paint in the first quarter, including his 3-point attempt.
But he continues to dominate touches. 8 field goal attempts, and 3 assists in that first quarter. – 9:12 PM
Jalen Williams still hasn’t found his jump shot. He missed all three of his attempts outside the paint in the first quarter, including his 3-point attempt.
But he continues to dominate touches. 8 field goal attempts, and 3 assists in that first quarter. – 9:12 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Really like Jalen Williams’ night so far despite the shots not going in. (3-8) a lot of these misses have just been bounces of the rim that are largely out of your control. – 9:05 PM
Really like Jalen Williams’ night so far despite the shots not going in. (3-8) a lot of these misses have just been bounces of the rim that are largely out of your control. – 9:05 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Indiana calls the first timeout of the game, OKC is up 17-12, the Thunder have found its offense partly due to being able to run more. Great start for OKC. Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 4+ points. – 8:48 PM
Indiana calls the first timeout of the game, OKC is up 17-12, the Thunder have found its offense partly due to being able to run more. Great start for OKC. Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 4+ points. – 8:48 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Isaiah Hartenstein high post playmaking making an impact early great dish to a cutting Jalen Williams, Thunder by 1. – 8:45 PM
Isaiah Hartenstein high post playmaking making an impact early great dish to a cutting Jalen Williams, Thunder by 1. – 8:45 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Indiana tries to push the pace off a made SGA free throw, it leads to a hit ahead pass Pascal wasn’t tready for and a fastbreak bucket for Jalen Williams. One point game. – 8:44 PM
Indiana tries to push the pace off a made SGA free throw, it leads to a hit ahead pass Pascal wasn’t tready for and a fastbreak bucket for Jalen Williams. One point game. – 8:44 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Thunder Starting Lineup Game 5:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Lu Dort
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein – 8:01 PM
Thunder Starting Lineup Game 5:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Lu Dort
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein – 8:01 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 3/3 on catch-and-shoot 3s in the 2025 NBA Finals
Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Cason Wallace are a combined 2/27.
If J-Dub isn’t going to shoot it well, the next best thing might be setting up SGA. @TheAthletic
nytimes.com/athletic/live-… – 7:47 PM
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 3/3 on catch-and-shoot 3s in the 2025 NBA Finals
Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Cason Wallace are a combined 2/27.
If J-Dub isn’t going to shoot it well, the next best thing might be setting up SGA. @TheAthletic
nytimes.com/athletic/live-… – 7:47 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Key B @TheAthletic
In an effort to manage Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s touches, Jalen Williams has increasingly taken over as Oklahoma City’s primary playmaker
nytimes.com/athletic/live-… – 7:43 PM
Key B @TheAthletic
In an effort to manage Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s touches, Jalen Williams has increasingly taken over as Oklahoma City’s primary playmaker
nytimes.com/athletic/live-… – 7:43 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams makes his Game 5 entrance.
(@NBATV)
pic.x.com/y9nIabHHfu – 7:36 PM
Jalen Williams makes his Game 5 entrance.
(@NBATV)
pic.x.com/y9nIabHHfu – 7:36 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Jalen Williams makes his Game 4 entrance.
(@NBATV)
pic.x.com/y9nIabHHfu – 7:34 PM
Jalen Williams makes his Game 4 entrance.
(@NBATV)
pic.x.com/y9nIabHHfu – 7:34 PM
More on this storyline
Zach Kram: Youngest 40-point scorers in a Finals game: 1. Magic Johnson, 1980 2. Rick Barry, 1967 (3x) 3. Russell Westbrook, 2012 4. Jerry West, 1962 5. Jalen Williams, tonight -via Twitter @zachkram / June 16, 2025
Tom Haberstroh: Jalen WIlliams just did something — score 40+ in a Finals game — that the following players have never done: Larry Bird Hakeem Olajuwon Karl Malone Kawhi Leonard Dirk Nowitzki -via Twitter @tomhaberstroh / June 16, 2025