Thunder
Jalen Williams picked the perfect time for a career night. The third-year forward erupted for 40 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, lifting the Thunder to a 104-97 win over the Pacers and a 3-2 series lead.
“He was really gutsy tonight,” MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, via ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “He stepped into big plays. Felt like every time we needed a shot, he made it. He wasn’t afraid. He was fearless tonight.”
Williams became the third-youngest player in league history to score 40 or more in a Finals game, behind only Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook.
Still, the 24-year-old kept the focus on the task ahead.
“It’s something more that I’ll look back on later than worry about what kind of statement it makes,” Williams said. “I think the only statement we have right now is we’re up 3-2 and we have to still go earn another win.”
The timing of Williams’ emergence couldn’t be better for his bank account, either. He’s eligible for a rookie scale extension this summer projected at $246 million over five years. Oh, and hat number could rise to $296 million if he makes All-NBA again in 2026. He landed on the All-NBA Third Team this season.
More importantly for the Thunder, Williams’ growth has been essential to their title push.
“He’s one of those guys that you want to see succeed,” Oklahoma City big man Chet Holmgren said, via The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II. “You want to root for him. … He works really hard. You want to see it pay off for him. We don’t get here without him playing as good as he’s playing.”
Bucks
Bobby Portis says he wants to return to the Bucks — but not at a discount.
Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, the veteran forward made it clear that past team-friendly deals are in the rearview.
“Obviously, I would love to be back in Milwaukee,” Portis said. “I’m not saying I don’t want to come back to the Bucks — I would love to — but I just want to be compensated fairly, man. I’ve taken a lot of team-friendly deals to be here.”
Portis, 29, holds a $13.4 million player option for next season, but his comments suggest he’s leaning toward testing free agency.
“We’re at a point now where I feel like it’s time I get compensated — fairly — to my peers,” he added. “That’s all I ask for.”
Despite serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, Portis was productive when on the floor, averaging 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per game.
Heat
The Heat remain in pursuit of Kevin Durant, but their current offer reportedly isn’t enough to sway the Suns.
According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, Miami’s proposal hasn’t reached the level Phoenix is looking for. At least, not yet.
“I have to preface this by saying that offers change,” Gambadoro said during his radio spot. “(But) right now, this is what I know, this is as of today. Miami wouldn’t be able to get a deal done today.”
Gambadoro added that negotiations remain fluid and could evolve quickly. “If you want the guy really bad,” he said, “you then take guys out (of the offer) and add other guys, or add more draft capital.”
As for possible framework, Gambadoro downplayed the idea of the Suns taking back Andrew Wiggins, calling it unlikely given his down year and the $58 million remaining on his deal. He also questioned whether rookie big man Kel’el Ware would significantly impact Phoenix’s decision.
Still, if Miami is serious, Gambadoro seems to believe the door isn’t shut. “Deals change,” he said.
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