The Oklahoma City Thunder are now just one win away from capturing their first NBA title since relocating to OKC. They defeated the Indiana Pacers 120–109 in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, taking a 3–2 lead in the best-of-seven series. Jalen Williams led the way with a breakout performance, scoring 40 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out four assists.
With this performance, the 24-year-old reached a significant milestone: he became just the fifth player in the last 40 seasons to score 25 or more points in three consecutive NBA Finals games before turning 25.
Williams tallied 26 points in Game 3, followed by 27 in Game 4, before his 40-point explosion in Game 5. His consistent production has been critical to Oklahoma City’s postseason push and has placed him in elite company.
With this streak, Williams joins an exclusive list that includes Kyrie Irving (2016), Kevin Durant (2012), Dwyane Wade (2006), and Shaquille O’Neal (1995)—all of whom etched their names into NBA Finals history before age 25.
Williams answers Wade’s call
Prior to Game 5, Wade had issued a challenge to Williams during an episode of his show on the “Wy Network,” calling on the young star to elevate his game on the biggest stage.
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“Jalen Williams, we need to see it. Right now we need to see that’s an All-Star player. I need to see you go to another level,” Wade said during his show, prior to Game 5. After Williams’ standout performance, Dwyane Wade took to social media to congratulate the All-Star on reaching the major milestone.
Dwyane Wade’s congratulations to Jalen Williams for accomplishing the major feat. (@dwyanewade)
There’s no doubt Williams delivered. His dominant performance helped put the Thunder on the brink of their first NBA title since the franchise rebranded as Oklahoma City. With Game 6 looming, Williams has officially arrived—and answered the call from the Hall of Famer.
