The NBA Finals are getting more exciting with every game. Initially, it looked like the Thunder were the favorites because of their best defensive unit. But when the series began, it was the Pacers who started making headlines. Now, after five games, the Thunder have regained control, improving their record to 3–2 and reestablishing themselves as title favorites.
The series was already intense, with most of the attention focused on Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. However, after Game 5, people have started praising the Thunder’s star player. Plus, Scottie Pippen’s recent comments about Jalen Williams’ jaw-dropping performance opened everyone’s eyes. It showed that the Thunder also has an unsung hero.
What Scottie Pippen Said About Jalen Williams’ Jaw-Dropping Game 5 Performance
The six-time champion and Hall of Famer didn’t just praise Williams’ Game 5 performance. He openly compared the 24-year-old forward to himself. In an interview with ESPN during the 2025 NBA Finals, Pippen embraced the rising comparisons. “He is pretty special,” Pippen told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
“I’m enjoying watching him. I see a lot of me in him for sure. I see a guy rising to be one of the top players in this league. He’s definitely a player that is capable of being able to lead that franchise to multiple championships – – him and Shai, of course.”
Scottie Pippen on Jalen Williams:
“He is pretty special… I see a lot of me in him for sure.”
(via @espn_macmahon, h/t @RTNBA) pic.twitter.com/R6dAChbGE7
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 19, 2025
In 2025 NBA Finals Game 5, Williams delivered a playoff career-high 40 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120–109 win over the Indiana Pacers. He shot 14-of-25 from the field, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, and added six rebounds and four assists.
This marked only the second time in his NBA career that the 12th overall pick scored 40 points in a game, but this one came on the biggest stage of his young career.
Now let’s talk about that Pippen comparison. Pippen was known as the ultimate No. 2 who backed up Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty. In a similar role, Williams is becoming the perfect partner for 2025 MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“I don’t even want to put a cap on him and say that he’s going to be me. I see him being greater, if I can say that,” he said. “Players today have more offensive freedom. If this kid keeps shooting the three-ball the way he does, I’m not going to argue with anyone about comparing us– because you can’t. He wins.”
So far in the Finals, Williams and SGA have combined for 291 points over five games. That’s a total only topped by legends like Jordan and Pippen or LeBron and Kyrie. It’s been really remarkable to watch these young stars rise beyond expectations on the biggest stage.
To be honest, those critics who once claimed veterans are the only true winners have already been proven wrong.
