Thunder and Pacers Set for Decisive Game 5 in NBA Finals Showdown

Oklahoma City, OK – June 16, 2025 – The 2025 NBA Finals reach a critical juncture tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 at Paycom Center, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 PM ET on ABC. The series stands deadlocked at 2-2 after a dramatic Thunder comeback in Game 4, setting the stage for a pivotal clash with championship implications.

Historically, the stakes could not be higher: teams that win Game 5 of a tied NBA Finals series have gone on to claim the championship 74.2% of the time. Both squads now face a best-of-three scenario, with Oklahoma City holding home court advantage for two of the remaining games.

The Thunder enter Game 5 riding the momentum of a resilient Game 4 victory. Trailing by seven points entering the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City surged ahead in the closing minutes, led by NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of his 35 points in the final 4:38, shooting 12-for-24 from the field and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. Key contributions also came from Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso, who added 27 and 20 points, respectively.

Indiana, meanwhile, seeks to rebound from a missed opportunity to seize a commanding series lead. The Pacers, who have not lost consecutive games since March, are anchored by Tyrese Haliburton’s dynamic playmaking and clutch shooting, as well as a fast-paced offense that has excelled on the road throughout the postseason. Indiana’s defense has also been a hallmark, allowing just 8.9 transition points per game in the playoffs, with the Thunder close behind at 9.1, promising a battle of disciplined, strategic basketball.

Both teams are monitoring injuries, with the Thunder missing Nikola due to knee surgery, and the Pacers without Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) and Jarace Walker (ankle).

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the intensity and focus required for this high-stakes contest. “You just know it's going to be [an] unbelievable level,” Daigneault said.

As the NBA Finals return to Oklahoma City, fans and analysts alike anticipate a fiercely contested Game 5 that could tip the balance of the series. The winner tonight will move within one victory of an NBA championship, with history strongly favoring whoever emerges on top.