Ex-NBA Player Believes the Thunder Has the Best Situation in All of Sports - Dec 20, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts after a three-point basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams Hits Impressive Feat Not Seen Since 2016 Kyrie Irving in Game 5

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 6:59 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from winning this season’s NBA championship following their 120-109 Game 5 victory against the Indiana Pacers last night.

Jalen Williams led the Oklahoma City Thunder with 40 points, six rebounds, and four assists on 14-for-25 shooting from the field and 9-for-12 from the free throw line.

“He was really gutsy tonight. He stepped into big plays. It felt like every time we needed a shot, he made it. He wasn’t afraid. He was fearless tonight, whether they went in or they didn’t,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said about Williams’ performance via ClutchPoints’ Josue Pavon. “Obviously, they went in more than they didn’t, but he stuck with the plays with confidence, for sure.”

Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams Hits Impressive Feat Not Seen Since 2016 Kyrie Irving in Game 5 5 Oct 17, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) gestures after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

According to NBA.com , Williams is just the fifth player over the last 40 seasons to score at least 25 points in three consecutive Finals games, joining Kyrie Irving (2016), Kevin Durant (2012), Dwyane Wade (2006), and Shaquille O’Neal (1995).

Oklahoma City Thunder News: Mark Daigneault reacts to Jalen Williams’ stellar performance

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault needed only one word to describe Jalen Williams’ career outing. He specifically praised Williams for relentlessly attacking the rim.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams Hits Impressive Feat Not Seen Since 2016 Kyrie Irving in Game 5 6 Dec 19, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

“Force. That’s the word,” Daigneault said about Williams via The Oklahoman’s Joel Lorenzi.

“When he’s at his best, he’s playing with that type of force. That was an unbelievable performance by him just throughout the whole game. He really was on the gas the entire night. Applied a lot of pressure. I thought he made a lot of the right plays, and we’re going to need,” he continued.