In a pivotal Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 120-109, leaving the series at 3-2 in favor of the Thunder. Jalen Williams starred for Oklahoma City with a staggering 40 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed a double-double with 31 points and 10 assists. Despite a commendable effort from Pascal Siakam, the Pacers struggled significantly due to a dismal performance from their star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who went scoreless from the field.

Haliburton played through a lower-body injury but his night was forgettable. He finished with just 4 points on 0-for-6 shooting, marking a historic low for a Finals game. This performance drew comparisons to previous Finals flops, underscoring the challenges faced by the Pacers in their pursuit of a championship. Haliburton's need to bounce back is critical for Indiana's hopes as they look to secure their first NBA title after previously winning titles in the ABA.