Stephen A. Smith uses Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen Primer to praise Jalen Williams

The Oklahoma City Thunder put Indiana Pacers on the edge of elimination For the first time of these playoffs, getting 3-2 series leads with a 120-109 victory in the game 5 NBA finals Monday night. Jalen Williams‘Performance drew intriguingly Michael Jordan–Scottie Pippen comparison From ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.

Smith spoke on the ESPN “For the first time” on Tuesday morning:

“I get Scottie Pippen Meeting because you look at Jalen Williams, the brother is Stud, Legitit 6’7” -6’8 “, one of the two players in the NBA, and all defensive team. The brother plays on both sides of the ball.”

Smith continued:

“He has a jump, he has a lunch, he has the possibility of passing. He ends up on the open court, he is athlettik – his bag, there is no doubt about it and he can.”

Williams finished game 5 as a leading shooter of games with 40 pointsSix rebounds, four assists and one steal. He recorded 14-25-25 off the field and 9-for 12 from the free throw line, publishing the game-high plus / minus of +14. According to the ESPN, Williams joined Lebron James and Kevin Durant as the only players since 1998. years in order to record at least 18 color points, and three in the NBA Final in the NBA.

In addition, Williams has only become a fifth player in the last 40 seasons to Rate 25 or more points in three games make finals before switching 25 years. The Other To English The Feat Are Shakuille O’Neal (1995), Dviane Vade (2006), Kevin Durant (2012) and Kirie Irving (2016).

Jalen Williams takes on a leading role in the game 5 while SGA dominates next to him in the historic finals that are displayed

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the most valuable player 2024-25 NBA contributed 31 points on 9-for 21 and 13-for-14 recording, adding 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals with +9 plus / minus. Together, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander became the first pair of teammates from Lebron James and Kiria Irving To record at least 40 and 30 points, respectively in the NBA final game.

Smith then attracted the line between Williams and Pippen:

“I don’t know about comparisons Scottie Pippen because for me personal, Scottie Pippen is one of all kinds of shine – primarily with my defense.”

He added:

“One of the things I’ve never seen – although he was 37 years old, if I remember it, like Houston’s first rounds. Once he was with Chicago Bulls, I may never have seen the game in the field and Scottie Pippen.” That never happened. “

Smith pointed to the game 5 as an example:

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“It happened last night with Jalen Williams. Jalen Williams gave the ball (Mark) to be the purpose of the point forward, not to be able to save SGA, so that you can save SGA, so you can save SGA SGA, so you can save SGA. So can you save SGA. So can you save SGA. So can you save SGA. Whether you can save SGA SGA. So can you save SGA. Care in game 3. “

Stephen A. Smith says Thunder won’t lose Pacens if Williams remain consistent

He emphasized the self-confidence of Williams:

“But Jalen Williams waves him because he felt it. Sga knew it and say it and to see that with Michael Jordan on the field, that’s why I’m not getting that comparison.”

Smith concluded:

“Saying it, Jalen Williams is special. You don’t mistake. His only question – and I told him when I saw him – his only question was consistency, that’s it.”

“There’s nothing more about his game you see it’s not there. He defends. Offensive, he has a bag – a versatile bag – when it brings it to you.”

“The lower line is next: it was consistency. But over the last three matches, the brother average at 50% shooting, and SGA on average, they prevent this series.”

“So I look at it from that point of view, and I said all the time: that your jalan williams would tell you that I would give you that the lightning champions – and that now show us it now.”

The Thunder will look to climates your first championship Since moving in Oklahoma City when faced with Paces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the game 6 NBA Finals on Thursday at 20:30 and ABC.