Pacers’ Collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5: A Painful Setback or the Spark of a Stunning Comeback?

The Indiana Pacers’ collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5 was a gut‑wrenching moment for Indiana fans everywhere. Dropping a 120–109 decision on Oklahoma City’s home court leaves the Pacers just one game away from losing their first-ever NBA Finals, while the Thunder are a win away from claiming their first NBA championship since 1979.

Haliburton Held Scoreless in First Half

For the first time in his postseason career, Tyrese Haliburton was held without a single point in the first half, going 0-for-5 from the field. By game’s end, he had missed all six field-goal attempts, finishing with just four points—all from free throws—a career playoff low.

Injury Hits at Worst Time

Haliburton tweaked his right calf/lower leg early in the first quarter, briefly exiting the game before returning with his leg wrapped. The issue, lingering since the Eastern Conference Finals, clearly slowed him. Coach Rick Carlisle confirmed he’s “not 100%”, though he will play Game 6.

The Core Collapse

In a pivotal stretch, Oklahoma City forced 23 turnovers and converted them into 32 points, including a decisive 18–4 run late in the fourth, sealing the Pacers’ collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5. Indiana had beautifully rallied from an 18-point deficit, but sadly, they couldn’t sustain it.

Stars Step Up for Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder showed their depth:

• Jalen Williams made a career playoff-high 40 points (14-of-25 FG). His performance in the fourth quarter was even more spectacular, which included more baskets.

• Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander added 31 points, 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals

• Role players like Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Alex Caruso contributed critical bench sparks.

Pacers’ Collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5 Was Not a Fluke

This heartbreaking visit to Oklahoma City wasn’t just a bad night—it embodies the Indiana Pacers’ collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5. Indiana turned the ball over 23 times, a postseason high, for a jaw-dropping 32 points. Their slow starts—especially without Haliburton firing early—have been telling; he’s averaging just 5.8 first-half points on 39.3% shooting so far in the Finals.

Turning Point: Haliburton’s Invisible Fourth Quarter

Even as Pacers guards T.J. McConnell and Pascal Siakam cut the lead to two late in the third, Haliburton never attempted a field goal in the fourth. He added two free throws but otherwise had zero impact—a major cause of the Pacers’ collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5.

Championship Context: Stakes Are Monumental

Indiana, with zero NBA titles in team history and just two Finals appearances (2000 and now 2025), teeters on the brink. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, won the championship once before in 1979—when they were the Seattle Supersonics— and chase their first title in 46 years.
Now the Indiana Pacers’ collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5 leaves them trailing 3–2 and staring down elimination.

Key Stats Recap

• Start: Thunder jumped to an 18-point lead by halftime

• Indiana Rally: Indiana outscored OKC 34–28 in the third quarter, sparked by the bench unit (T.J. McConnell, Pascal Siakam)

• Final Score: Thunder 120 – Pacers 109

• Turnovers: Indiana committed 23 turnovers, leading to 32 points for the Thunder

• Haliburton:

  • Finished with only 4 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists

  • First time in his playoff career, he was scoreless in the first half

• Haliburton exits/returns:

  • Left midway through the first quarter after tweaking his right calf

  • Returned with a visible wrap, but was absolutely limited

• Williams: Scored 40 points on 14-of-25 shooting

• Gilgeous-Alexander: Added 31 points and 10 assists, along with 4 blocks and 2 steals

• Siakam: Led Indiana with a team-high 28 points

• Thunder response: Sealed the win with a 10–0 fourth-quarter run, a major contribution by Jalen Williams’ heroics

• Series: OKC now leads the NBA Finals 3–2, one win away from the title

Can Indiana Rewrite History?

The series now shifts to Indianapolis for Game 6. Indiana is 9–1 at home in these playoffs, so hope isn’t gone. But they need a healthier Haliburton—especially early. The Pacers’ collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5 spotlighted just how crucial he is: without his rhythm, the offense stalled.

The Haunting Takeaway

The Pacers’ collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5 revealed a chilling reality: with Haliburton hobbled and the Thunder peaking, Indiana may be on the brink of history, just not the kind they wanted. Game 6 isn’t just another chance; it’s perhaps the Pacers’ last stand.

If Haliburton can reclaim his first-half form—and turnovers are cleaned up—Indiana might engineer a final rebound at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. But if Game 5 is any indication, the Indiana Pacers’ collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5 could define this series—and their legacy.

Will the “Pacers’ Collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5” Define Their Legacy?

Every sports narrative needs a turning point. The Pacers’ collapse vs the Thunder in Game 5 is that moment—bleak, heartbreaking, and full of “what ifs” for the Pacers’ fans. It could either break them or ignite a legendary fight-back. As Indiana prepares for Game 6, fans hold their breath: will they rally or become the story of a near-miss?

Also Read: Will the Pacers Recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder? Key Factors That Could Decide A Crucial Turning Point in the NBA Finals

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