June 16 (UPI) -- Jalen Williams poured in a playoff career-high 40 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder feasted on early turnovers to build a lead they never lost against the Indiana Pacers on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Williams flaunted his athleticism and shooting stroke throughout the night, sinking 14 of 25 shots to ignite the 120-109 victory in Oklahoma City. NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chipped in 31 points and 10 assists.
"My teammates instill a lot of confidence in me to just go out and be me," Williams said on the ABC broadcast.
Williams scored 24 points in the second half, including 13 in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 18 over the final 24 minutes for the victors.
The Thunder, who are one win away from securing a title, will battle the Pacers in Game 6 on Thursday in Indianapolis.
