The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a prime position to win their first NBA Finals in their organization's history. The Thunder returned to the Paycom Center for Game 5, with the series tied at two games apiece, so the pressure was on to take their first lead of the series after trailing or being tied beforehand.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points in the Game 5 win, it was his 10 assists that jumped off the stat sheet, tying his playoff career high. But once he saw the level that Jalen Williams was playing that night, he likely knew he had to get his teammate the ball. Williams finished with an astounding 40 points as the Thunder head back to Indianapolis looking to close out the series.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton operates with the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort defends during Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 16, 2025.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton operates with the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort defends during Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 16, 2025.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Lu Dort sends message to Thunder fans before NBA Finals Game 6
While the combined scoring of Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams got much of the spotlight immediately after Game 5, it was their defense that helped them prevail. They forced the Pacers into 22 turnovers, resulting in 32 points.
While Lu Dort finished with nine points, his impact was felt on the boards, as he came away with five offensive rebounds. Ahead of Game 6, Dort sent a message to Thunder fans.
“To all the people in Oklahoma City, enjoy the game," Dort said. "It’s gonna be a tough one, and we’re gonna give our best shot to win the game.”
Oklahoma City's depth allows it to sell out on stopping the opponent's best player. They don't necessarily rely on players like Dort or Alex Caruso for scoring night in and night out, but it's everything else they bring to the game that allows them to stay on the floor in crunch time.
While Thunder fans would've loved to see the Thunder win on their home floor, a majority of them would likely hope for them to close things out and avoid the anxiety that comes with watching a Game 7.