The 2024-25 season has been a particular yr for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. Their 68-14 file was the very best within the NBA, and so they carried that momentum into the playoffs.
After a 120-109 win vs. the Pacers in Recreation 5, the Thunder have a 3-2 collection lead. They’re only one win away from hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Towards Indiana in Recreation 5, Jalen Williams led the staff with 40 factors. That was a brand new playoff career-high for the 24-year-old. Williams has been an unsung hero all season for OKC and has them on the verge of profitable the NBA Finals.
OKC’s Jalen Williams had a playoff career-high 40 factors in Recreation 5
JALEN WILLIAMS TONIGHT:
40 POINTS
6 REBOUNDS
4 ASSISTS
56% FG(By way of @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/EgEXNX7d7A
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2025
For many of the season, PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has seen many of the highlight for OKC. He’s had a historic yr and will add to it by profitable a title and Finals MVP. Nonetheless, Thunder’s Jalen Williams can’t be neglected. It’s been an unimaginable season individually for the previous first-round decide. Williams averaged 21.6 factors, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per recreation. He began 69 of OKC’s 82 video games in 2024-25. With that manufacturing, Williams had a ton of accolades this previous common season.
Jalen Williams was named a first-time all-star, All-Defensive second-team, and third-team All-NBA. All through the 2025 playoffs, Williams has been a key contributor. Towards the Pacers in Recreation 5, Williams scored a playoff career-high 40 factors. He was 14-25 from the sector, 3-5 from past the arc, and 9-12 from the free-throw line. Moreover, the previous first-round decide had six rebounds, 4 assists, and one steal.
25+ POINTS IN 3 STRAIGHT GAMES 🔥
Jalen Williams is simply the fifth participant during the last 40 seasons to do that within the NBA Finals earlier than the age of 25, becoming a member of:
Kyrie Irving (2016)
Kevin Durant (2012)
Dwyane Wade (2006)
Shaquille O’Neal (1995) pic.twitter.com/vANu0UfBo6— NBA (@NBA) June 17, 2025
Chatting with the media after OKC’s win, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praised his teammate. SGA referred to as Williams’ Recreation 5 efficiency “actually gutsy” and mentioned he made large photographs all evening. In accordance with ESPN stats and analysis, Jalen Williams is the third youngest participant to attain 40+ factors in a Finals recreation. Solely Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook have been youthful.
In every of his final three video games, Williams has recorded at the very least 25 factors and 5 rebounds. He’s the primary participant 25 or youthful since Shaquille O’Neal in 1995 to have such a streak. Jalen Williams’ significance can’t be overstated this postseason for the Thunder. The all-star SG is likely one of the high two-way gamers within the NBA and is one win away from profitable his first NBA championship.