30 points. 10 assists. An epic Finals game – and Shai has just stepped into OKC legend

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched his name into NBA Finals history on Monday night as he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-109 Game 5 win over the Indiana Pacers, putting the Thunder just one win away from their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City.

In front of a raucous home crowd at the Paycom Center, Shai delivered a performance for the ages: 31 points, 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals. This stat line not only fueled Oklahoma City’s critical victory but also made Shai the first player in NBA Finals history to achieve those combined totals in a single game.

The Thunder now lead the 2025 NBA Finals 3-2 and are just 48 minutes away from basketball immortality.

A Defensive Masterclass from the Thunder

While Shai’s offensive brilliance grabbed the headlines, it was Oklahoma City’s defense that truly turned the tide in Game 5.

The Thunder held the high-octane Pacers to just 109 points, a notable drop from their series average. Led by Lu Dort and Chet Holmgren anchoring the paint, OKC’s swarming defense consistently disrupted Indiana’s rhythm, forcing difficult shots and capitalizing on turnovers.

More impressively, OKC blocked 10 shots and held the Pacers to just 42% shooting from the field, showing their grit and commitment on both ends of the floor.

Jalen Williams Explodes for a Career Night

While Shai was orchestrating from the top, Jalen Williams caught fire in Game 5. The third-year guard recorded a playoff career-high 40 points, adding six rebounds and four assists, and showing why he is one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.

Williams’ ability to attack the rim, hit mid-range jumpers, and connect from deep made him nearly unguardable. He hit 14 of his 21 shots, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, and displayed unshakeable confidence throughout the night.

Together, Shai and J-Dub combined for 71 points, making it nearly impossible for Indiana to keep up.

Shai’s MVP Season Just Keeps Getting Better

Coming off a historic regular season that saw him win the 2025 NBA MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to validate his elite status in the league.

He has averaged 28.6 points, 7.5 assists, and 2.1 steals throughout this playoff run, and his Game 5 performance cements his legacy as one of the best two-way players in basketball.

More than just stats, Shai’s poise, leadership, and control of pace have transformed the Thunder into serious contenders. He makes the game easier for everyone around him and always seems to deliver in the most critical moments.

A Balanced Thunder Attack

Though Shai and Jalen Williams were the headliners, this win was a complete team effort:

• Chet Holmgren had four blocks and anchored the interior defense.

• Lu Dort shut down Indiana’s perimeter threats and added timely scoring.

• Josh Giddey contributed with smart passes and key rebounds.

It was the most complete performance from the Thunder all series, and it came at the perfect time.

Thunder’s Defense Overwhelms Pacers’ Offense

The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, found themselves smothered all night by OKC’s length and physicality.

Haliburton, who was the engine for Indiana in earlier games, was limited to 15 points on inefficient shooting, while Siakam added 22, but struggled to find easy looks.

Indiana’s bench, which had been a strength throughout the playoffs, was neutralized. OKC’s defense chased shooters off the three-point line and won the battle of physicality, leaving Indiana searching for answers as the final buzzer sounded.

Game 6: Thunder Look to Make History

With the win, Oklahoma City now leads the series 3-2 and heads to Indianapolis for Game 6, where they’ll have the chance to clinch the franchise’s first championship since 1979 (then the Seattle SuperSonics).

It would also mark their first title since relocating to Oklahoma in 2008.

For the Thunder, a young team built through smart drafting and development, it’s a chance to cap off a storybook season. The trio of Shai, Jalen Williams, and Holmgren have become one of the most exciting cores in the NBA — and now, they’re on the brink of greatness.

Fans Rally Behind Shai’s Iconic Performance

Social media lit up after Game 5, with many calling Shai’s Finals performance “legendary” and praising his ability to dominate in every facet of the game.

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just played one of the most complete Finals games we’ve ever seen,” tweeted NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins. “This dude is different.”

NBA fans were quick to point out that Shai’s versatility on both ends of the court — something rarely seen from guards at this level — could soon put him in the same breath as Stephen Curry, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Bryant in Finals lore.

Thunder’s Path to Glory: A Rebuild Done Right

It wasn’t that long ago that the Thunder were stuck in a rebuild, following the departures of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Chris Paul. But under GM Sam Presti, OKC has masterfully rebuilt through the draft and trades, assembling a versatile, high-IQ, and defensive-minded roster.

Now, the franchise that once watched Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Westbrook fall short in the Finals in 2012, is just one win away from erasing that heartbreak and creating a new championship legacy.

What’s Next?

Game 6 will take place on Thursday night in Indianapolis, and while the Pacers will be desperate to push the series to Game 7, the Thunder now have momentum — and the best player in the series — on their side.

If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can deliver another masterclass, the Thunder could be raising the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time in the city’s history.

And if that happens, Game 5 will be remembered as the night Shai became a Finals legend.