Thunder One Win Away from Championship After Williams’ Career Playoff Performance
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams delivered the performance of his young career on Monday night, erupting for 40 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to push his team within one victory of their first championship since 2012. Jalen Williams had a career-playoff-high 40 points as the Thunder fended off a late charge from the Pacers to pull within one win of the title.
Jalen Williams Dominates NBA Finals Stage
The 24-year-old guard-forward’s explosive performance came at the perfect time for Oklahoma City, as The Thunder are up 3-2 in the best-of-seven series after Monday’s 11-point win. Williams’ 40-point outburst represents a career-high in playoff scoring and showcases his evolution into a legitimate second star alongside MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Marcus Morris Sr. declares Jalen Williams a star after 40-point game, highlighting how the young player has gained recognition from veteran players around the league. This performance solidifies Williams’ status as one of the most promising young talents in the NBA.
Thunder’s Rising Star Shines in Playoffs
Williams’ playoff dominance has been building throughout the 2025 postseason. Jalen Williams has taken his game to the next level during his second career playoff run. After an up-and-down performance in the 2023-24 NBA Playoffs, Jalen Williams has been stellar in his second postseason run as the No. 2 offensive threat behind Kia MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The dramatic improvement from his rookie playoff experience demonstrates Williams’ rapid development and ability to perform on basketball’s biggest stage. His two-way versatility has become crucial to Oklahoma City’s championship aspirations.
Coach Daigneault Praises Williams’ Performance
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was effusive in his praise following Williams’ dominant Game 5 performance. The Thunder moved one game away from the NBA title largely due to Williams’ heroics, with Daigneault having one word to describe the explosive scoring display.
The young star’s ability to step up in crucial moments has been a defining characteristic of his playoff run, proving he can handle the pressure of the Finals stage.
Williams’ Contract and Future with Thunder
Williams’ stellar play comes while he’s still on his rookie contract. Thunder exercised $4.78 million team option for 2024-25 in October of 2023. Thunder exercised $6.58 million team option for 2025-26 in October of 2024. This makes him one of the best values in the NBA, providing elite production at a fraction of the cost of established stars.
Born in Denver, Colorado on April 14, 2001, Williams was drafted 12th overall by the Thunder in the 2022 NBA Draft and has quickly become a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.
Championship Within Reach
With The Thunder are one win away from an NBA championship, Williams and his teammates are on the verge of bringing Oklahoma City its first title in over a decade. Game 6 presents an opportunity for the Thunder to close out the series and for Williams to continue his remarkable playoff run.
The young forward’s emergence as a clutch performer and reliable second option has transformed the Thunder from a promising young team into legitimate championship contenders, with Williams’ 40-point Game 5 performance serving as the latest evidence of his star potential.