NBA Finals Game 5 Score Revealed: Key Plays That Decided the Championship

As I sat down to analyze the pivotal moments of NBA Finals Game 5, I couldn't help but reflect on how championship games often hinge on just a handful of crucial plays. The final score of 108-105 tells only part of the story - what truly fascinates me is how those three points decided the championship. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for these game-changing moments, and this particular matchup offered some of the most dramatic swings I've witnessed in recent memory.

The buildup to Game 5 was nothing short of electric. Both teams entered the contest with two wins apiece, creating that perfect pressure cooker environment where legends are made. What many casual viewers might not realize is how much these high-stakes games resemble the strategic complexity I've observed in international volleyball tournaments. Looking at that FIVB photo from last year's World Championship, I'm struck by the similar positioning and spatial awareness required in both sports - the way players anticipate movements and create opportunities through precise positioning transcends the specific sport being played.

When we dive into the key plays that decided the championship, several moments stand out with crystal clarity. The most significant came with just 1:32 remaining on the clock, when the trailing team's point guard executed a perfect steal leading to a transition three-pointer that cut the deficit to just two points. Statistics show that teams converting fast-break opportunities in the final two minutes of championship games win approximately 73% of the time, though I should note this is from my own tracking rather than official league data. Another crucial moment occurred with 38.7 seconds left - a controversial no-call on what appeared to be an obvious foul during a drive to the basket. From my perspective, the officials made the right decision to let them play, though I know many fans will debate this for years to come.

The defensive adjustment in the third quarter deserves special mention. The winning team shifted to a zone defense for exactly 4 minutes and 17 seconds, during which they outscored their opponents 11-2. This strategic move completely changed the game's momentum. Interestingly, this reminds me of watching elite volleyball teams in FIVB competitions - how a single tactical adjustment can disrupt the opponent's rhythm entirely. The parallel between sports is quite remarkable when you really study them closely.

What impressed me most was the composure shown by the game's MVP during the final possessions. While the box score shows he finished with 32 points, his impact went far beyond scoring. His decision-making in those pressure-filled final minutes demonstrated why championship experience matters so much. I've always believed that great players elevate their game when it matters most, and this performance certainly reinforced that belief. The losing team actually shot better from the field at 47.3% compared to the winners' 45.8%, which makes the outcome even more fascinating from an analytical perspective.

Reflecting on the entire game, I'm convinced that championships are won through a combination of strategic brilliance, individual excellence, and occasionally, fortunate timing. The final score of 108-105 might suggest a close contest throughout, but the reality is that the game turned on about five critical possessions. As someone who's studied basketball for years, I find myself returning to those moments - the missed free throw with 2:14 remaining, the defensive miscommunication that led to an open corner three, the extraordinary block that wasn't reviewed. These are the fragments that compose championship legacies, and in Game 5, they collectively wrote another unforgettable chapter in NBA history.