The current NBA Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder is living up to every expectation thus far. The Pacers, in their first Finals appearance in 25 years, are facing their first elimination game this postseason against a Thunder squad that entered the playoffs as the league’s top seed after a remarkable 68-win regular season.
Their explosive performances not only electrified the arena but also demonstrated fierce determination to win their first ever NBA championship in Oklahoma City.
In Game 5, the series turned into a stat-studded display of offensive prowess—with Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander right in the middle of it.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8)
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Thunder duo Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined an exclusive club in NBA Finals history during Game 5.
Williams erupted for 40 points while Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31, joining LeBron James and Kyrie Irving as the only duo in the last 40 years to combine a 40-point and a 30-point game in a Finals contest.
In Game 5 of the infamous 2016 NBA Finals, the Cavaliers’ dynamic duo—LeBron James and Kyrie Irving each erupting for 41 points—propelled Cleveland to a crucial series-saving victory, forever etching their names into Finals history.
James and Irving's legendary performance not only boosted the Cavaliers’ title run but also set a benchmark for offensive synergy and clutch execution under extreme pressure.
Over the course of the 2025 NBA Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 32.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, showcasing his ability to carry the scoring burden while orchestrating the Thunder’s offense.
His partner, Jalen Williams, has not been far behind, averaging 25.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists—a stat line that underscores his role as a dynamic secondary playmaker. Their combined output, now benchmarked against past Finals legends, signals a potential shift in the narrative of championship history.