Thunder vs Pacers Recreation 4: Thunder Even Collection in NBA Finals Thriller
On June 13, inside a packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder clawed again from a collection deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 111-104 in Recreation 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals. This consequence ties the collection at 2-2 and shifts momentum heading right into a pivotal Recreation 5 in Oklahoma Metropolis. Powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch 35-point efficiency and a ferocious fourth-quarter surge, the Thunder regained home-court benefit and management of the championship narrative.
NBA Finals Recreation 4: Should-Win for the Thunder
Trailing 2-1 within the collection, Oklahoma Metropolis got here into this matchup with every thing on the road. The Pacers, taking part in in entrance of 17,274 energized followers (95.1% capability), had an opportunity to push the Thunder to the brink. The sport, broadcast on ABC and officiated by veteran referees Scott Foster, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright, carried each stress and historic weight. In accordance with historic knowledge, groups profitable Recreation 5 of a 2-2 NBA Finals collection go on to win the championship 74.2% of the time.
Now, the Thunder head again house in full management of the collection. Usually, the house group wins Recreation 5 coming again house, anyway. But when Oklahoma Metropolis does this, they are going to be inside one win of the NBA championship.
First Half Recap: Pacers Begin Robust
The Pacers got here out scorching, ending the primary quarter with a 35-34 lead behind environment friendly ball motion and powerful taking pictures. By halftime, Indiana prolonged their lead barely to 60-57, due to balanced scoring and defensive stress. The Thunder struggled to attach from three-point vary, going simply 1-of-10 from deep within the first half.
Nonetheless, the Thunder have been absolutely conscious of the stakes. So, they needed to make one thing occur in the event that they wished to remain in rivalry for the title. Consequently, they labored to make sure the second half ended in a different way for them than the primary half. For the followers, they received an incredible sport from begin to end.
Third Quarter: Indiana Extends the Lead
Behind Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers pushed their result in 87-80 by the top of the third quarter. Haliburton was facilitating nicely, and Siakam was imposing himself within the paint. Oklahoma Metropolis continued to misfire from lengthy vary, ending the quarter at simply 14.3% from three.
Via three video games and 75% of the fourth sport, the Pacers regarded like the higher group. Extra importantly, they performed prefer it. Their efforts have been making the 68-14 Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder look overrated. Nonetheless, the Pacers’ postseason heroics wound up not being sufficient final night time.
Fourth Quarter Surge: Thunder Flip the Script
Every little thing modified within the fourth. The Thunder erupted with a 31-17 benefit within the last interval, anchored by a spectacular stretch from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 15 of the group’s last 16 factors within the final 4:38. The turning level got here together with his baseline jumper on the 2:23 mark, which gave OKC a 104-103 lead. He adopted that up with essential free throws on the 44-second mark to stretch the result in 107-103.
In the long run, the Thunder’s sturdy play, anchored by Lu Dort’s protection, prevented the Pacers’ late-game heroics. Due to how typically Indiana has come again on groups, OKC included, it’s unimaginable to depend them out till the sport is over. Nonetheless, the Thunder wound up leaving Indiana with the win as soon as this sport was over. Largely, this was due to SGA.
Participant of the Recreation: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SGA proved once more why he’s one of many league’s elite, ending with 35 factors on 12-of-24 taking pictures, 10-of-10 from the free-throw line, and including 3 steals and a block in 40 minutes. His calm demeanor and aggressive drives late within the sport drew 8 fouls, disrupting the Pacers’ defensive rhythm and forcing important errors.
In the course of the first half, Lu Dort stored the Thunder within the sport. That a part of the sport noticed followers on social media being extremely important of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Nonetheless, when the second half got here, he proved why he’s the MVP of the league. In the meantime, the Thunder as a complete confirmed what a real group effort seems to be like.
In the long run, their franchise participant in SGA closed the sport. Now, the collective efforts led by Gilgeous-Alexander led to the Thunder coming again house tied up 2-2.
Supporting Forged: Williams, Caruso, and Holmgren Step Up
Jalen Williams was large for OKC, dropping 27 factors, grabbing 7 boards, and going 11-of-11 on the line. Chet Holmgren added a gritty 14 factors and 15 rebounds, together with 4 offensive boards, offering much-needed toughness inside.
Off the bench, Alex Caruso delivered a playoff masterpiece with 20 factors on 7-of-9 taking pictures, 5 steals, and a block in half-hour. His defensive vitality helped the Thunder power 15 turnovers, turning stops into fast-break alternatives and fueling the comeback.
Pacers Collapse within the Clutch
Regardless of sturdy performances early, Indiana crumbled in crunch time. Haliburton ended with 18 factors and seven assists however went chilly within the fourth, lacking all three pictures and logging zero assists. Siakam, who had 20 factors, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals by three quarters, was held scoreless within the last body and dedicated a pricey turnover.
Bennedict Mathurin added to the late-game woes by lacking 3 of his last 4 free throws and committing two off-ball fouls within the closing minute. Aaron Nesmith fouled out with 44 seconds left, weakening Indiana’s already-stressed protection.
Stat Breakdown: Key Variations
- Thunder FG%: 47.4% (37-78)
- Thunder 3PT%: 18.8% (3-16)
- Thunder FT%: 89.5% (34-38)
- Pacers FG%: 42.5% (34-80)
- Pacers 3PT%: 30.6% (11-36)
- Pacers FT%: 75.8% (25-33)
- Rebounds: Thunder 43 (12 offensive) | Pacers 33 (7 offensive)
- Steals: Thunder 12 | Pacers 11
The Thunder’s skill to dominate the glass and convert on the line proved important. Their +10 rebound benefit and 9 extra free-throw makes swung momentum and finally determined the end result.
Teaching and Recreation Administration, Thunder Reclaim Momentum
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault deserves credit score for trusting Caruso with prolonged minutes and managing rotations successfully. His determination to let SGA run isolation performs down the stretch paid off. Rick Carlisle, however, struggled to cease the bleeding, failing to counter the Thunder’s defensive stress or reignite Indiana’s ball motion.
With the win, the Thunder not solely evened the collection however reclaimed home-court benefit. Recreation 5 can be performed at Paycom Middle in Oklahoma Metropolis on June 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET, broadcast once more on ABC. All eyes are on how the Pacers reply—and whether or not SGA can sustain his MVP-caliber type.
