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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 43341, member: 636"] Jalen Williams exploded for 40 points as Oklahoma City Thunder beat Indiana Pacers 120-109 during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Thunder took a 3-2 series lead after Williams posted his best playoff performance and teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points with 10 assists. Oklahoma City led the contest from early on but watched Indiana cut an 18-point second quarter advantage down to just two points during the fourth quarter. Williams and the NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander steadied their team when the pressure mounted highest. The Thunder moved within one victory of capturing their first NBA championship. Williams credited his teammates and coach Mark Daigneault for building his confidence throughout the playoffs. The young forward said his coach told him to stay true to himself rather than trying to become someone different. Indiana had rallied from 15 points down to win Game 1 but could not duplicate that comeback magic at home. Williams compared Game 5 to the series opener and praised his team for learning from past mistakes. The Thunder demonstrated their growth and maturity when facing elimination pressure. Game 6 takes place Thursday night at Indianapolis where the Pacers must win to force a deciding seventh game. Tyrese Haliburton struggled badly for Indiana with only four points across 34 minutes of action. Coach Rick Carlisle admitted his star player was not completely healthy but expected him to compete. Haliburton insisted he would battle through any physical problems to help his teammates. The point guard emphasized his lifelong dream of reaching the Finals and refused to consider sitting out the crucial elimination game. [/QUOTE]

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