Jalen Williams delivered a standout performance with a career-high 40 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Indiana Pacers 120-109, moving them within one win of the NBA championship.

The Thunder now lead the NBA Finals 3-2 in the best-of-seven series after withstanding a fierce Pacers rally that cut an 18-point second-quarter deficit to just two points in the fourth. Williams, who scored 11 points in the final period, played a key role in regaining control alongside MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who added 31 points and 10 assists.

“My teammates really believe in me, and Coach Mark [Daigneault] just tells me to be myself,” said Williams after the game. “That’s given me the confidence to play my game.”

The Pacers had pulled off a similar comeback in game one, overturning a 15-point Thunder lead, but couldn’t replicate the feat in game five. Reflecting on that, Williams said, “Tonight felt a lot like game one. But we learned from that, and it shows how much we’ve grown through these Finals.”

Game six is set for Thursday night in Indianapolis (20:30 local / 01:00 BST Friday), where the Pacers will try to stay alive.

Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton struggled with just four points in 34 minutes, with head coach Rick Carlisle admitting his star was not at full strength. “It’s clear he’s not 100%, but I don’t think he’ll sit out the next game,” said Carlisle. “He was determined to keep playing.”

Haliburton echoed that resolve: “It’s the Finals. I’ve worked my whole life for this. I wasn’t great tonight, but if I can walk, I’m playing. That’s the mindset. Now I’ve just got to be ready for game six.”

The Thunder will be aiming to close out the series and capture their first NBA title since relocating to Oklahoma City, while the Pacers face a do-or-die moment in front of their home crowd.