The Oklahoma City Thunder were dominant in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, securing a 120-109 victory behind an impressive 40-point outing and a 30-point double-double from reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton appeared to suffer a lower leg injury that hampered him throughout the game—finishing with four points, six rebounds, and seven assists. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins and Stephen A. Smith suggested sitting Haliburton to get him ready for Game 6, and it was not a bad thought.
Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed after the game that the All-Star was not 100%, but he will attempt to play in Game 6. With Indiana’s season on the line, it seems like this Thunder team may have hit its stride within this series. Neither team has lost back-to-back games in the playoffs—that streak will be broken one way or another before this series ends.
After Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31-point game, he now has the most points by a point guard in NBA Finals history—an impressive feat that will not go unnoticed. He also finished with four blocks and two steals in Game 5. The Oklahoma City Thunder are one game away from their first NBA championship and will look to finish this Pacers team off on their home court Thursday.
