The Oklahoma City Thunder aren't just the youngest team to play in the NBA Finals in league history, they are one of the most connected.
The Thunder's group of superstars, led by reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, is known for conducting on-court postgame interviews as alongside one another rather than allowing various broadcast teams to focus simply on individuals and their performances.
Oklahoma City saw a couple of monster showings from Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander on Monday night that helped put the team over the hump and grab a 3-2 series lead heading back to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 6 on Thursday, June 19.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8).
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams.
© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Gilgeous-Alexander dropped in 31 points and added 10 assists, two rebounds, four blocks and two steals. Despite that stat line, Williams outshone his fellow All-NBA teammate by pouring in 40 points along with six rebounds, four assists and one steal.
That said, anyone watching Williams speak during his postgame interview wouldn't have known that he just had the game of his life. He spoke of his performance with a humble and nonchalant attitude, entirely focused (at least outwardly) on the next game. A win in that contest will result in the Thunder claiming their first title in franchise history since relocating to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008.
"My teammates instill a lot of confidence in me to go out and be me," Williams said, giving credit to his peers for the spectacular performance he produced in an NBA Finals swing game that was essentially a must-have for the Thunder.
Williams continued with that line while speaking live with ESPN's Scott VanPelt on "SportsCenter."
"I don't really have a lot of satisfaction. I think it's cool," Williams said of his 40-point night. "But in my head, this game is already done with."
The Thunder went 1-1 on the road against Indiana in Games 3 and 4, but may have an extra advantage in Game 6 after Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton re-aggravated an already existing lower leg injury during the first quarter of Monday night's contest.