Pacers Lost Game 5: Thunder Take Command in Finals Showdown

The Pacers are still breathing—but barely.

Pacers lost Game 5 in Oklahoma City, 114-104, putting them on the brink in the NBA Finals. The Thunder now lead the series 3-2 and are just one win away from hoisting the championship trophy.

For Indiana, Game 5 was a brutal reminder that playoff magic runs out if the basics break down. Turnovers, missed free throws, and a disappearing offense in key moments cost them dearly in a game they had to win.

And now? They return home with no room left for mistakes.

Key Scenes: How Game 5 Slipped Away

Haliburton Starts Hot—But Thunder Heat Up Late

Tyrese Haliburton came out aggressive, hitting back-to-back threes in the opening five minutes. Indiana held a narrow 27-25 lead at the end of the first, thanks to solid ball movement and energy on both ends.

But Oklahoma City responded with a suffocating second quarter, going on a 10-0 run sparked by Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. By halftime, the Thunder led 53-49.

It was close—but the third quarter is where the Pacers let it go.

Thunder’s Crushing 15-2 Third-Quarter Run

With just under 8 minutes to go in the third, Shai exploded with a floater, then a three, then a steal and dunk. Josh Giddey pushed the lead to 14 with an alley-oop lay-in.

Indiana went cold. Five straight empty possessions. Two turnovers. Just one field goal over a nearly six-minute stretch.

Suddenly, it was 84-70.

Mathurin’s Spark, But Shai’s Finish

Bennedict Mathurin gave Indiana a heartbeat with two clutch threes and a steal midway through the fourth to cut it to 93-88.

But the Thunder didn’t blink. Jalen Williams hit a dagger from the corner. Shai added a killer and-one.

Game. Controlled.

Indiana didn’t fold—but they never regained rhythm.

Final Score: Thunder 114, Pacers 104

Oklahoma City took the win with confidence—and now lead the Finals 3-2.

Top Performers:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 32 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST
• Josh Giddey: 19 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST
• Tyrese Haliburton: 16 PTS, 10 AST
• Bennedict Mathurin: 14 PTS (4-of-6 from three)

The Thunder shot 51% from the field, held Indiana to just 43%, and outscored the Pacers 31-20 in the pivotal third quarter.

The Series Heads Back to Indiana—Do or Die

Now, the Pacers are in full survival mode. Game 6 will be in Indianapolis, where the home crowd will need to bring every decibel of energy.

There’s no more cushion. No more bad quarters allowed. If they want a shot at Game 7, they’ll need vintage Haliburton, bench fire from Mathurin, and defensive control from Myles Turner.

And above all, they need belief.

Because yes, the Pacers lost Game 5—but the dream is not over.

It just got harder.

Game 6 Predictions: Can the Pacers Bounce Back at Home?

After the way the Pacers lost Game 5, there’s no question—Game 6 is a must-win war.

But don’t count Indiana out. They’ve shocked the league all postseason. They’ve beaten the odds. And now, they return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where they’ve been deadly all year.

The Thunder hold the momentum, but Indiana holds the desperation—and that’s dangerous.

Key Factors to Watch in Game 6:

Haliburton Must Go Nuclear

The Pacers’ star has had flashes of brilliance, but he needs to take over. Look for him to push the tempo, attack the rim early, and shake off the hesitation that slowed him down in Game 5’s second half.

Siakam and Turner Need to Dominate the Paint

Oklahoma City’s defense has crowded the paint and bullied Indiana’s bigs. If Pascal Siakam wants to make a difference, he has to be aggressive from the opening tip. Myles Turner, too, must defend the rim—and hit open corner threes.

Mathurin’s Minutes Will Matter

The rookie was fearless in Game 5. If Coach Rick Carlisle unleashes him early and gives him starter-level minutes, Mathurin could swing momentum with energy, scoring, and defensive hustle.

Crowd Control Is Real

The Indiana home crowd has been insane this postseason. Expect a playoff atmosphere louder than anything Oklahoma City has faced. If the Pacers start strong, the arena could lift them back into this series.

Final Prediction:

Pacers 112, Thunder 107
Expect Haliburton to play his best game of the Finals. Look for Indiana to shoot better, defend harder, and force a Game 7 thriller.

Because if one thing is clear, it’s this:

The Pacers lost Game 5—but they haven’t lost their fight.

Want real-time updates before tip-off, injury reports, or Game 6 prop bets? Just ask.

Because all eyes are on Indiana—and the storm isn’t over yet.