The 2024-25 season was a particular yr for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. His file of 68 wins and 14 losses was the very best within the NBA, and he carried that momentum into the playoffs.
With a 120-109 victory over the Pacers in Recreation 5, the Thunder now lead the collection 3-2. He’s now one win away from successful the Larry O’Brien Trophy. In Recreation 5 towards Indiana, Jaylen Williams led the crew with 40 factors. This was a brand new playoff profession excessive for the 24-year-old. Williams has been OKC’s unsung hero all season and is on the verge of successful the NBA Finals.
OKC’s Jaylen Williams scored a playoff career-high 40 factors in Recreation 5.
Jalen Williams tonight:
40 factors
6 rebounds
4 assists
56percentFG(through @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/EgEXNX7d7A
— NBA Central (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2025
For a lot of the season, OKC’s PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has gotten essentially the most consideration. He is having a historic yr and will take it even additional by successful the title and Finals MVP. However let’s not overlook the Thunder’s Jaylen Williams. It was an incredible particular person season 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 within the 2024-25 season. This work earned Williams quite a few awards this common season.
Jaylen Williams was named to the All-Star, All-Defensive Second Crew, and All-NBA Third Crew for the primary time. All through the 2025 playoffs, Williams was a key contributor. In Recreation 5 towards the Pacers, Williams scored 40 factors, a playoff profession excessive. 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.
Rating 25 factors or extra in 3 consecutive video games 🔥
Jaylen Williams is the fifth participant below the age of 25 to seem within the NBA Finals up to now 40 seasons, 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
After OKC’s win, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke to the media and praised his teammates. SGA known as Williams’ Recreation 5 efficiency “really gutsy,” saying he hit huge photographs all night time. Jaylen Williams grew to become the third-youngest participant to attain 40 or extra factors in a Finals recreation, based on ESPN Stats and Analysis. Solely Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook had been youthful.
In every of the previous three video games, Williams has recorded at the very least 25 factors and 5 rebounds. He’s the primary participant below the age of 25 to perform this feat since Shaquille O’Neal in 1995. The significance of Jaylen Williams to the Thunder this postseason can’t be overstated. The All-Star SG is among the prime two-way gamers within the NBA and is one win away from successful his first NBA Championship.
