With the series tied at two games apiece, Game 5 NBA Finals 2025 is set to tip off at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Both the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder have proven they deserve their spot in the Finals, but with only two wins separating one of these franchises from a championship, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A Back-and-Forth Series
The 2025 NBA Finals have already delivered plenty of drama. The Indiana Pacers entered the series as underdogs but quickly shocked the Thunder by stealing Game 1 on the road. Led by Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking and Pascal Siakam’s physical presence, Indiana demonstrated a balanced offense and resilient defense.
However, the Thunder answered back in Game 2, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) erupting for 33 points and leading Oklahoma City to a convincing win. The trend continued, with Indiana taking Game 3 and Oklahoma City responding in Game 4. Now, entering Game 5 NBA Finals, both teams are locked in a dead-even battle with everything on the line.
Why Game 5 NBA Finals Matters More Than Ever
Historically, Game 5 in a tied NBA Finals series is often the turning point. According to league statistics, teams that win Game 5 in a 2–2 series go on to win the championship nearly 75% of the time. That puts added pressure on both sides — especially for a young Thunder roster looking to make history.
Oklahoma City hasn’t been in the NBA Finals since 2012. For the Pacers, this is their first appearance since 2000. A win in Game 5 NBA Finals puts either team one step away from basketball immortality.
Key Storylines to Watch in Game 5 NBA Finals
1. SGA’s MVP-Level Play
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been Oklahoma City’s most consistent performer throughout the postseason. In Game 4, he scored 35 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter. With the crowd behind him at home, expect SGA to play an even bigger role in Game 5 Finals.
2. Haliburton’s Leadership
Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as the leader Indiana needs. His ability to control tempo, find shooters, and deliver under pressure has been crucial. He’ll need to match SGA’s energy if Indiana hopes to steal another game on the road.
3. Bench Production
Game 4 showed how important bench scoring is in the Finals. Oklahoma City’s Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins provided crucial minutes and timely baskets. The Thunder bench outscored the Pacers’ reserves 28–15, a margin that could be decisive again in Game 5 Finals.
4. Defense and Adjustments
Expect more double teams, zone looks, and traps. The Thunder will likely try to contain Haliburton with early pressure, while Indiana could switch to a smaller, faster lineup to force mismatches against Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
Game 5 NBA Finals: Date, Time, and Broadcast Info
- Matchup: Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
- Series Status: Tied 2–2
- Game: 5
- Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
- TV: ABC / ESPN+
Matchup Breakdown: Team Comparison
| Category | Thunder | Pacers |
| Star Player | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Tyrese Haliburton |
| Coach | Mark Daigneault | Rick Carlisle |
| Last Finals Appearance | 2012 | 2000 |
| Game 4 Result | Win (111–104) | Loss (104–111) |
| Home Record (Playoffs) | 8–2 | 6–4 |
What Each Team Needs to Win Game 5 NBA Finals
Oklahoma City Thunder:
- SGA Must Be Aggressive Early: Starting fast is key. The Thunder have thrived when SGA gets to the paint in the first quarter.
- Protect the Paint: With Chet Holmgren defending the rim, they need to force the Pacers to shoot over the top.
- Limit Turnovers: Fast breaks have hurt them when they turn the ball over.
Indiana Pacers:
- Haliburton Needs Help: Siakam and Myles Turner must step up offensively.
- Defensive Intensity: They need to pressure the ball and close out on Thunder shooters.
- Win the Rebounding Battle: Second-chance points could swing momentum in Game 5 NBA Finals.
Expert Predictions
NBA analysts are split on the outcome of Game 5 NBA Finals. Some favor the Thunder due to home-court advantage and SGA’s elite performance. Others point to Indiana’s experience and Rick Carlisle’s coaching adjustments.
Regardless, most agree: Game 5 will define the series. Whichever team can handle the pressure, execute their game plan, and make late-game plays will take the lead in the series — and potentially, the title.
Conclusion
With both teams locked at two wins apiece, Game 5 NBA Finals is shaping up to be the most important game of the series. Whether it’s SGA leading the Thunder in front of a roaring Oklahoma City crowd or Haliburton orchestrating another Pacers road win, the outcome of this game could decide who lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Don’t miss it with BMW55 — this is where legacies are made.
