Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have etched their names into NBA Finals history following their remarkable performance in Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers. In a crucial 120-109 victory, Williams exploded for a playoff career-high 40 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31 points, marking only the 14th time in league history that two teammates have scored at least 40 and 30 points, respectively, in a championship-round game. This pivotal win gave the Thunder a 3-2 lead in the series, bringing them one step closer to their first NBA title in 46 years.

This rare scoring feat, dubbed the "40-30 club," has a storied past in the NBA Finals. The legendary Los Angeles Lakers duo of Jerry West and Elgin Baylor account for half of these instances, achieving it seven times in the 1960s. Their dominant collaborations include Game 2 (West 40, Baylor 36) and Game 7 (Baylor 41, West 35) in the 1962 Finals, Game 3 (West 42, Baylor 38) and Game 5 (Baylor 43, West 32) in 1963, Game 1 (West 41, Baylor 36) and Game 5 (Baylor 41, West 31) in 1966, and Game 2 (West 31, Baylor 32) in 1969. Despite their individual brilliance, the Boston Celtics often prevailed over the Lakers in those series.

Other notable duos to achieve this include Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, who did it twice for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Golden State Warriors. They both scored 41 points in Game 5 of the 2016 Finals, a game that helped Cleveland rally from a 3-1 deficit to win the championship. They repeated the feat in Game 4 of the 2017 Finals, with Irving scoring 40 and James 31. Magic Johnson and Jamaal Wilkes accomplished it once in the 1980 Finals clincher, where Johnson had 42 and Wilkes 37 to secure the Lakers' title. Jerry West also reappears on the list with Wilt Chamberlain in 1970, with Chamberlain scoring 45 and West 33 in Game 6. The Boston Celtics saw John Havlicek (40) and Bailey Howell (30) achieve it in Game 6 of the 1968 Finals. The first members of this exclusive club were Cliff Hagan (40) and Bob Pettit (30) for the St. Louis Hawks in Game 2 of the 1961 Finals.

Jalen Williams' performance in Game 5 was a masterclass in composure and clutch play. He consistently answered the Pacers' pushes with critical shots, rebounds, and defensive stops. Shooting 14 for 25 from the field, including three successful shots from beyond the arc, and hitting nine of twelve free throws, Williams showcased his all-around game. He also contributed six rebounds and four assists in just 35 minutes. His late-game heroics, including a clutch three-pointer, a tough jumper, and a driving layup, sparked a decisive 10-0 run that effectively sealed the Thunder’s win.

At just 24 years old, Williams has rapidly developed into a pivotal player for the Thunder since being drafted 12th overall in 2022. This season marked a breakout campaign for him, earning an All-Star selection, All-NBA Third Team, and All-Defensive Second Team honors. His ability to impact both ends of the court makes him a dynamic complement to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forming one of the league’s most dangerous duos. Gilgeous-Alexander, the team's leader, also had a stellar night with 31 points and 10 assists, and praised Williams, stating, “He was great tonight. Makes a world of a difference.”

Coach Mark Daigneault's strategic adjustments, including granting Williams more freedom to initiate offense and keeping Gilgeous-Alexander fresh, paid off handsomely. The Thunder's tenacious defensive effort was also crucial, forcing Indiana into 22 turnovers, which they converted into 32 points. This pressure, combined with Williams' clutch shot-making, ensured the Pacers could not overcome Oklahoma City's consistent intensity.

With a 3-2 series lead and history favoring teams that win Game 5 in a tied series, the Thunder now head to Indianapolis with a chance to secure the championship. Williams' poise and mental toughness under pressure have become his trademark, separating him as a great player. If Williams continues his fearless play and Shai maintains his steady brilliance, the Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to claim the ultimate prize in Game 6, celebrating a historic achievement for their young and talented squad.