The 2025 NBA Finals has turned into a highly competitive series. Leading up to Game 1, the Oklahoma City Thunder stood as a massive favorite over the Indiana Pacers. And following a 108-91 victory by the Pacers in Game 6, the NBA Finals is headed for a decisive Game 7.
The Thunder, the NBA's best team all season, has shown flashes of dominance during this series, while also unveiling major weaknesses against a gritty, Pacers team. All eyes have been glued to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This year's NBA MVP has played an outstanding Finals, averaging 30.5 points per game.
Gilgeous-Alexander's co-pilot, Jalen Williams, however, has been the unsung hero of this series -- until Game 6.
Williams, fresh off a 40-point performance in Game 5, dropped a dud on Thursday night. While Williams finished with a semi-respectable 16 points on 6-for-13 shooting from the field, it was another stat-line that landed Williams on the wrong side of NBA Finals history.
Williams finished Game 6 with a plus-minus of minus-40. According to @statmuse on X, that is the lowest plus-minus in an NBA Finals game in the play-by-play era (1996-97).
Despite Williams' struggles in Game 6, he's still averaging 24.2 points per game in the NBA Finals. If the Thunder are able to escape Game 7 with a victory, winning the first NBA championship in franchise history, Williams will be in consideration for the NBA Finals MVP Award.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the first half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the first half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Win or lose, Williams has proven to be a reliable No. 2 to Gilgeous-Alexander. Williams averaged a career high in points (21.9), rebounds (5.3), assists (5.1), steals (1.6), and blocks per game (0.7) this season.
Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Thunder will return home for Game 7 against the Pacers. The winner of this game will be crowned the next NBA champion. Williams will look to put his historically bad Game 6 performance behind him when Game 7 tips off on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. EDT on ABC.