The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in the fifth game of the NBA Finals at home to take a 3-2 lead in the series. The next meeting is on Thursday in Indianapolis.
“The Pacers, who are considered to be experts in comebacks, were forced to chase the score this time. At the end of the first quarter, they were losing by 12 points (17:29), and in the second quarter – even 16 points (36:52, 43:59). In the third quarter, the guests persistently made up for lost time, but were unable to get closer than five points (76-81).
“A three-pointer by Jalen Williams, who was in great form on Monday, turned the tide. Just two minutes later, after consecutive successful actions by him and Shay Gilles-Alexander, the home team was again winning by 13 points (110:97).
Pascal Siakam was the Pacers’ top scorer with 28 points. Reserve T.J. McConnell scored 18 points. Team leader Tyreese Haliburton missed none of his six shots from the free throw line and finished with zero points due to a leg problem.
‘Obviously, he’s not 100 per cent ready,’ Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.
Now his team will return to their home arena for game six, but statistically, they are not in the best position.
Earlier, the finalists of the Ukrainian Basketball Championship were determined.