THUNDER vs. PACERS PROPS & PICKS (GAME 5)

By Sports Prophet AI

BEAST DOME NATION.

Thunder Seize Game 5 with Grit and Balance, Take 3-2 Series Lead Over Pacers

In a pivotal Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder protected home court and claimed a 109-101 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With the series tied 2-2 coming in, both teams had adjusted rotations and tightened strategies, but it was Oklahoma City’s balanced effort, especially defensively, that delivered them a crucial win and a 3-2 edge heading into Indiana for Game 6.

A Measured Start, A Gritty Finish

From the opening tip, it was clear the Thunder were intent on making a statement. Head coach Mark Daigneault started Isaiah Hartenstein at center, shifting Cason Wallace to the bench after two experimental starts. This adjustment paid immediate dividends, as OKC established control of the boards early and held the Pacers to just 22 points in the first quarter.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set the tone, orchestrating the offense with poise. He scored 30 points on an efficient night and added 8 assists while committing only one turnover. While SGA’s scoring prowess was expected, it was his ability to slow the game down and manage Indiana’s spurts that proved invaluable.

Jalen Williams continued to show why he’s one of the most reliable swing scorers in this postseason. He poured in 20 points, mostly from the midrange, and provided critical buckets when Indiana made a third-quarter push. Meanwhile, Lu Dort delivered on both ends: 14 points and a smothering defensive assignment on Tyrese Haliburton, especially in the game’s final 6 minutes.

Defensive Adjustments and Rotation Tweaks

Oklahoma City leaned into what had worked in Game 2—size. Chet Holmgren and Hartenstein shared the floor for stretches, particularly in the second quarter where OKC built their largest lead. Hartenstein’s 21 minutes were impactful, especially on the glass where he grabbed 7 boards and helped prevent second-chance points.

When the Thunder went smaller in the fourth, they did so with intention. Caruso logged 26 minutes and was a defensive menace—diving for loose balls, hitting open threes, and keeping the Thunder composed during Pacers’ transition bursts. His presence, alongside SGA and Dort, gave OKC a backcourt capable of switching and scrambling, which frustrated Indiana’s late-game execution.

Indiana’s Lone Spark Flickers Late

The Pacers entered Game 5 knowing they had let Game 4 slip away, and for the first half of this contest, they played with a sense of urgency. Tyrese Haliburton scored 24 points and dished out 7 assists, but also committed 4 turnovers, most of which came due to Dort’s relentless on-ball pressure.

Pascal Siakam scored 18 points and was effective in the paint, but the Thunder adjusted by sending timely doubles and forcing him into quick decisions. Myles Turner chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds but struggled when pulled out to the perimeter by Holmgren’s mobility.

Bench production, a strength for Indiana early in the series, fell short. Bennedict Mathurin, coming off two 20-point games in the series, was held to just 7 points on 3-of-10 shooting. T.J. McConnell, typically a catalyst for Indiana’s second unit, was neutralized by Caruso’s length and quick hands.

Obi Toppin was the lone reserve who provided a meaningful spark, scoring 9 points in just 14 minutes, but the Pacers leaned heavily on a frontcourt trio of Pascal/Turner/Obi, which eventually tired late in the game.

Key Moments That Swung the Game

In the third quarter, Indiana made its strongest push. Haliburton hit back-to-back threes, and the Pacers cut the lead to three. But out of a timeout, the Thunder responded with a perfectly drawn-up action that freed Jalen Williams for a corner triple. Then SGA got back to the line on consecutive possessions, pushing the lead back to 10.

Late in the fourth, with Indiana down by six, Pascal drove baseline but was met by Chet, who swatted his shot off the glass. On the other end, Caruso buried a transition three off a feed from Dort—an emotional dagger that sent the Paycom Center into a frenzy.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3-2, the Thunder head to Indiana with confidence. They’ve adjusted to Indiana’s small-ball looks, found success with their size, and gotten critical contributions from their role players—particularly Caruso.

For the Pacers, it’s about tightening rotations and finding a consistent second scorer behind Haliburton. Siakam has been solid but hasn’t taken over. Mathurin needs to bounce back, and Indiana will likely look for more ways to get Turner involved early before OKC adjusts.

Final Thoughts

This win was not flashy. It was tactical. The Thunder executed their game plan with discipline, relied on their defensive core, and trusted their star to close it out. With one more win, they’ll be NBA champions—but they’ll need to break Indiana’s home court to get it.

Game 6 will tip off in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Pacers will be desperate. The Thunder will be confident. And if Game 5 was any indication, this Finals isn’t over—far from it.

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