How Jalen Williams took the Thunder to the brink of glory
The Oklahoma City Thunder are just one win — and potentially only 48 minutes — away from securing their second title in franchise history and first since moving from Seattle in 2008, after their 120–109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 gave them a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals.
Jalen Williams starred for the Thunder, scoring a postseason-high 40 points, while league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and tied his postseason high with 10 assists. Together, the duo scored or assisted on 103 of Oklahoma City's 120 points.
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The Thunder now have the chance to clinch the championship on Thursday night in Indianapolis. But if the Pacers can grind out a win at home with their backs against the wall, we will head back to Oklahoma City on Sunday for a Game 7.
On the latest episode of 'The Athletic NBA Daily,' Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Zena Keita broke down the Thunder's crucial Game 5 win.
They discussed how Williams took charge and stepped up, how his dominance on both ends makes him so valuable for the Thunder, and how he and Gilgeous-Alexander worked together to get Oklahoma City over the line in Game 5. They also praised Chet Holmgren's impact on the defensive end in a game where he struggled offensively.
Watch the full episode of 'NBA Daily' below or on the YouTube channel, or via the 'NBA Daily' podcast feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
(Top Photo: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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