Thunder’s Jalen Williams Sends Clear Message After Historic Game

The Oklahoma City Thunder had to huff and puff to tie this year's NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers at two games apiece. In Game 5 on Monday, they once again had to work and sweat, but they're now one win away from a world championship.

They got out to a big lead, and although the Pacers made their customary late run, Oklahoma City held on for a 120-109 victory. It can clinch the Larry O'Brien Trophy on Thursday when Game 6 takes place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Rising star wing Jalen Williams was arguably the player of the game with 40 points on 14-of-25 shooting. He said afterward that the job isn't done yet.

"You don't just trip into the finals," he said. "They're really good at doing the same thing we do — staying the course — and we have to stay the course as well during their runs and we did a good job of that."

Williams has emerged as a borderline star for the Thunder, but lately, he has gone beyond the level of play he achieved during the regular season. He scored 26 points in Game 3 and 27 in Game 4, and he has also provided some secondary playmaking for his squad.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam at Paycom Center.

Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

In doing so, he became only the fifth player in the last 40 years to score at least 25 points in three straight NBA Finals games before turning 25 years of age.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this year's regular-season MVP, had 31 points and 10 assists on Monday, but as stellar as he and Williams were, it was the Thunder's defense that secured this win.

They blocked 12 shots and forced 23 turnovers, which they turned into 32 points. In doing so, they continued to prove that their team defense is one of the best the league has seen in recent memory.