The Oklahoma City Thunder took a 3-2 lead over the Indiana Pacers with a 120-109 victory in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday. The Thunder are now one win away from their first NBA title.
After the loss, Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle spoke about the team’s struggles and Tyrese Haliburton’s condition. “He’s not 100%, it’s pretty clear. But I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game,” Carlisle said. “We were concerned at halftime and he insisted on playing. He made a lot of good things happen in the second half, but he’s not 100%.”
Haliburton, dealing with a lingering leg injury, was held to just four points on 0-of-6 shooting in over 34 minutes. Despite the injury, Carlisle emphasized the players’ determination. “All these guys are playing on one leg. It’s a lifetime opportunity, and not many are going to sit out even if they’re banged up.”
Carlisle also addressed defensive issues that contributed to the loss. When asked about Jalen Williams’ 40-point performance, Carlisle said the team must improve. “We have to get in front of him, keep him from driving, communicate better, and provide help when necessary. Most drives happen at the point of attack, and we can do better.”
Turnovers were another key factor. The Pacers committed 22 giveaways, which translated to 32 points for the Thunder. “Nobody’s asking about turnovers. We had 23 turnovers for 32 points. That’s the game,” Carlisle noted. “We have to do a heck of a lot better there.”
The Pacers cut the Thunder’s lead to two late in the third quarter but failed to sustain the rally. Carlisle described the momentum shift: “They got a second-chance opportunity and scored. Then we had an uncharacteristically bad turnover that turned into a dunk.”
Carlisle also praised T.J. McConnell, who sparked a third-quarter surge with 13 points in seven minutes. “He was great in the third and put us back in the game. He was very tired, so we had to rest him,” Carlisle explained.
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in Indianapolis, where the Pacers will look to even the series. The Thunder, meanwhile, can clinch their first championship with a win.
