The 2025 NBA Finals were supposed to be Indiana’s underdog story. Instead, they’re now just one loss from heading home. The Oklahoma City Thunder seized control late in Game 4, then doubled it down three nights later. On Monday, OKC delivered a statement win, taking Game 5 with a convincing 120-109 finish. And if there’s one name Pacers players and fans won’t forget anytime soon, it’s Jalen Williams. The rising star has torched Indiana at crucial moments, turning this series on its head.

In a clutch Game 5 that could tilt the series, Jalen Williams stole the spotlight from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s monster night. Williams dropped a career-defining 40 points with his relentless shooting spree, sending fans and critics in awe as he crushed the Pacers’ defense. It wasn’t just a win for OKC; it was a statement for Williams. Courtside, former NBA champion-turned-broadcaster Richard Jefferson caught every second of it, as he said, “Young fella man, good job.” After the exhausting clash, Jefferson shared a hilarious post-game moment involving the worn-out Williams. And a few hours ago, he opened up about it too.

On a fresh episode of the Road Trippin’ podcast, Richard Jefferson shared a hilarious courtside moment with Jalen Williams after Game 5. Jefferson recalled approaching the exhausted OKC star, only to be completely ignored, but not for the reason you’d expect. “I know the exhaustion that he is feeling with and he didn’t know who was talking to him. He didn’t know who he was talking to.” Jefferson laughed. Too drained to respond immediately, Williams eventually lifted the towel and apologized, saying, “Oh, my bad, my bad.” But the interaction didn’t faze Jefferson one bit.

As a former player, he understood the toll. “That man is dying right now. He is dying. That was not an easy 40-ball. Like his body was feeling it,” Jefferson added, defending the young star’s dazed moment. You see, Jefferson isn’t just another broadcaster; he’s one of the few who’s hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy. He knows firsthand the physical and mental tax that comes with nights like this. So, to him, Williams’ silence wasn’t disrespect. It was just pure bone-deep fatigue. But the job is still half done.

And despite the exhaustion from Game 5, if OKC and Jalen Williams bring that same fire in Game 6, it’s over. The OKC Thunder are one win away from snatching the championship right out of Indiana’s grip. Another performance like Monday night, and OKC will be holding their first NBA title since 2008. The stakes are sky-high, and if truth be told, then this young squad looks built for the moment. While Jefferson teased Williams on camera, a few other legends were watching closely, this young star’s talent. One of them? None other than Dwyane Wade.

Dwyane Wade welcomes Jalen Williams to the exclusive ’40 Club

Dwyane Wade just welcomed Jalen Williams to an exclusive NBA club, and that for good reason. Jalen Williams has delivered one of the most polished and impactful Finals runs in recent memory. He’s been everywhere the Thunder needed him against a scrappy, relentless Pacers squad. He made 17, 19, 26, and 27 points across the first four games. You see, the continued improvement was in order.

Then came the Game 5 eruption. His 40-point masterpiece wasn’t just about leading the night in scoring. It stamped Jalen’s name alongside NBA royalty. Williams became the fifth player in 40 years to record three straight 25+ point Finals games before turning 25. That rare list includes legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant. Such an elite list to be a part of. And this outburst didn’t just make noise, it made history.

Turned out, Williams became the first player since Dwyane Wade in 2006 to drop 40+ in a Finals game within his first few seasons. Wade, a founding member of that elite circle, noticed immediately. The Heat legend shared a clip of Williams’ performance on his Instagram Story, captioning it with four powerful words: “THE 40 CLUB AT 24!” It wasn’t just recognition, it was a badge of respect. Because in this league, when a young player makes noise like that, both critics and legends pay attention.