Jalen Williams’ 40-point outing in Game 5 of the NBA Finals lifted the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-109 win over the Indiana Pacers, but the 24-year-old’s focus remained on the team’s ultimate goal.
Speaking postgame, Williams said his development this season came from embracing a process that allowed him to make mistakes. “I’m extremely fortunate that I have a coach and a staff and teammates that allow me to have those ugly plays during the year and figure out my game,” he said. “I think right now it’s, like, paid off.”
Williams scored 13 of his 40 points in the third quarter, but said he didn’t realize he had it going. “Honestly, it feels so much different than a regular season game,” he said. “I’m just playing so hard that everything else in the game seems like second to what’s going on.”
The third-year forward credited Oklahoma City’s chemistry and unselfishness as key to his growth. “Everybody wants everybody to succeed,” Williams said. “I’m not worried about, like, what if I fail. I have guys that I know are going to pick me up when I fall short.”
When asked what his 40-point performance means at this stage, Williams deflected any personal accolades. “It’s something more that I’ll look back on later on,” he said. “The only statement we have right now is we’re up 3-2 and we still have to go earn another win.”
He also highlighted the contributions of his teammates, especially those often overlooked. “Wiggs—his role is very difficult,” he said, referring to Aaron Wiggins. “To sometimes not play, then play, then come in and make shots and be solid defensively—there’s a lot that goes into that.”
Williams also pointed to Isaiah Hartenstein’s screening and effort as key against Indiana’s full-court pressure. “I bet Zay is probably tired of screening for me,” he said. “Anytime you have a pressure release, it just opens up space.”
Acknowledging the Thunder crowd, Williams said the home atmosphere gave them a major boost. “It feels like the court is shaking when we’re here,” he said. “They’re into the game, which is rare for a crowd.”
Oklahoma City now leads the series 3-2 and sits one win away from the franchise’s first NBA title. Game 6 is set for Thursday in Indianapolis.
