It was a full-on Jalen Williams takeover in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, as he poured in a playoff career-high 40 points in what amounted to the greatest game of his career so far.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) shoots as Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley, left, defends during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) (Nate Billings | AP)

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle stood up for the referee Scott Foster during media availability after being criticized for Game 4.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said Tyrese Haliburton insisted on playing in the second half of Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday despite dealing with a calf injury.

Despite leading for most of the game, the Indiana Pacers dropped Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals in part because of Bennedict Mathuri