The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from securing their first NBA Title in franchise history. They defeated the Indiana Pacers last night by a score of 120-109. With Indy on the ropes for the first time this postseason, how will they respond? Where did it go wrong for a team that appeared to be on the verge of pulling off another miraculous double-digit comeback? Let’s jump into last night’s game!
Thunder’s Stars Rain Down on Indiana
When the NBA Finals are tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 has gone on to win the series 74% of the time. The Thunder’s two best players showed up and delivered a strong performance last night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams combined for 71 of the team’s 120 points. When J-Dub is making his threes, 3/5 last night, he is almost unguardable. His unique ability to play larger than his size, fast hands, and touch around the rim has been one of the biggest reasons OKC is up 3-2 at this point in the series.
Pacers Struggle in Consecutive 4th Quarters
What the Pacers could hang their hats on throughout this postseason was their uncanny ability to step up in big moments and pull wins out of the jaws of defeat. In Games 4 and 5, the Thunder were on the ropes, and Indiana had multiple opportunities to put away the best team in the NBA. Despite trailing last night by 18 in the 2nd quarter, Pascal Siakam would hit a three to cut the lead to 95-93 with eight and a half minutes left in the game. After that basket, the Thunder would go on an 18-4 run to break the hearts of Naptown.
Tyrese Haliburton was bad despite injuring his lower calf. Haliburton shot 0/6 and 0/4 from long distance and finished the game with four points, seven rebounds, six assists, three turnovers, and three fouls. He is the first ALL-NBA player to miss every shot in a finals game since 1958. If the Pacers want to extend the series, whether he plays hobbled or not, he must be better in Game 6.
OKC’s 4th Quarter Dominance
When they needed to be sharp, the Thunder dominated. They forced 10 turnovers in the 4th quarter to their one. Those 10 turnovers contributed to 13 of the team’s 30 fourth quarter points. In the Game 5 Preview yesterday, I spotlighted J-Dub.
Highlighting contributions on “the others” for a minute, Lu Dort was sensational with two big threes in that 18-4 run in the clutch. Alex Caruso had his worst game scoring-wise in the Finals but was still a +6 in the final frame and recorded two steals. This team “out-clutched” the most clutch team in the playoffs in back-to-back games.
What to Expect in Game 6?
The Indiana Pacers have found themselves in a precarious situation for the next game. Their backs are against the walls in a do-or-die contest. If they lose, their season is over, and their quest for the franchise’s first title will continue. If they win, they force the best two words in sports, “Game Seven.”
For the Thunder, it’s simple. On the road, in a closeout game, this is their moment. This is SGA‘s moment to ice his MVP season with a ring. OKC wins this game, validating their dominance over the past two seasons and bringing the franchise its first championship.
Final Thoughts on Game 5
Last night’s game was right there for the Pacers to take, just like Game 4. As basketball fans, we love to see these games come down to the wire, where it’s a matter of who steps up and who shrinks. The Pacers and Haliburton shrank.
For as glorified as he has been throughout the postseason, his performance over the past two games has been eye-popping. As the Green Goblin once said, “The one thing they love more than a hero is to see a hero fail.” That sums up his performances. The public loved it when he was hitting game-winners and crucified him for his shortcomings.
I am excited for Game 6 in Indiana. The crowd will be electric, jumping through the TV. Can the Pacers force a Game 7 back in OKC, or will the Thunder close out the series in Indy on Thursday? The Game 6 Preview and Prediction will be available tomorrow morning. Thank you for checking out my Game 5 Recap! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News. I will talk to you all again soon!
