Did Jalen Williams almost steal the show? His incredible 40-point Game 5 had everyone, including NBA legend Tony Allen, questioning the Finals MVP outcome. Even with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander securing the top honor, J-Dub’s performance solidified his star power. What does this mean for the Thunder’s future dominance?
The 2025 NBA Finals victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder was largely heralded as a testament to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s undeniable leadership and MVP-caliber performance. While SGA was widely considered the shoe-in for the coveted Finals MVP award, the series witnessed several moments where his emerging teammate, Jalen Williams, showcased a level of brilliance that momentarily challenged the prevailing narrative, particularly following his explosive Game 5 outburst.
Williams’ pivotal 40-point performance in Game 5 of the championship series was a statistical marvel and a captivating display of clutch playmaking. This extraordinary showing ignited a fervent debate among fans and analysts alike, with many speculating whether Jalen Williams had done enough to sway the highly prestigious individual honor his way. It served as a powerful reminder of his rapidly developing offensive repertoire and unwavering composure under immense pressure.
Among those who took notice and publicly voiced their surprise was NBA veteran and 2008 champion, Tony Allen. During a recent episode of his podcast, Allen openly admitted his initial thoughts on Williams’ performance. He confessed to believing, “I ain’t gonna lie bro, I kind of thought, ‘Damn this man might f****** steal Finals MVP.’ That’s what I thought,” vividly recalling the impact of J-Dub’s stellar play throughout the series.
Allen’s candid remarks reportedly brought a genuine smile to Jalen Williams’ face, a testament to the respect and acknowledgment he received from a player known for his defensive intensity and championship pedigree. Despite the high praise and the legitimate consideration for the award, Williams maintained a remarkable sense of humility, recognizing the broader team success over individual accolades.
Reflecting on his memorable Game 5, Jalen Williams conveyed a surprisingly self-critical perspective. He confessed, “It’s crazy cause I can barely watch the highlights. It’s hard to watch still. My mind goes, ‘One shot you miss, could be a completely different series.’ But I was just flowing.” This insightful comment underscores his intense focus and the mental pressure associated with competing at the highest level of professional basketball, even in moments of triumph.
Ultimately, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rightly claimed the Finals MVP trophy, the mere fact that prominent voices such as Tony Allen and even acclaimed sports commentator Stephen A. Smith publicly entertained the notion of Jalen Williams as a legitimate contender speaks volumes. This widespread recognition elevated Williams’ status beyond a promising young talent, solidifying his arrival on the NBA’s grandest stage.
The 40-point Game 5 was more than just an exceptional individual scoring effort; it was a definitive statement. It served as irrefutable proof of Jalen Williams’ star potential and reinforced the notion that the Oklahoma City Thunder now possess not one, but two formidable young stars. This dynamic duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams is poised to drive the franchise’s aspirations for sustained success and championship contention for many years to come, promising an exciting future for the OKC Thunder.
The symbiotic relationship between Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams creates a multifaceted offensive threat that is exceedingly difficult for opposing defenses to contain. SGA’s masterful ball-handling and scoring prowess, combined with Williams’ versatile scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions, establish a formidable core. This tandem is not just about individual brilliance but about complementary skill sets that elevate the collective performance of the OKC Thunder.
