Backed by the best playoff crowd yet, the Oklahoma City Thunder put themselves in the driver's seat for the first time in the championship series. A 120-109 Game 5 win over the Indiana Pacers gave them a 3-2 series lead in the 2025 NBA Finals.

If the Pacers win Game 6 and 7, then Pascal Siakam is the best bet to win Finals MVP. Much like the Eastern Conference Finals, Siakam is the best overall and most consistent player for the Pacers. Siakam just hasn’t had the game winners like Tyrese Haliuburton to boost his popularity.”

The Indiana Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5, but it wasn't due to a lack of effort from their backup point guard.

Jalen Williams scored a tough contested floater to close the third quarter and extend OKC's lead to 87-79. The Thunder needed the bucket after a 13-point outburst from T.J. McConnell allowed the Pacers to eat into OKC's 14-point halftime lead.

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