In a thrilling Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder achieved a nail-biting 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers, evening the series at two games apiece. The win was largely attributed to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive performance, notably scoring 15 of his 35 points in a decisive fourth quarter. Demonstrating his clutch ability, the NBA MVP delivered nine consecutive points during the final moments, ensuring a remarkable comeback that showcased the Thunder’s resilience amid challenging circumstances.
The Pacers initially stormed out of the gate, racing to 20 points within the first 4:59 of gameplay — a rare occurrence for the Thunder this season. Indiana built an early nine-point lead but struggled to maintain their advantage. The intensity of the game escalated with an increase in physical play; Obi Toppin received a Flagrant 1 foul for a confrontation with Alex Caruso in the second quarter, which was followed shortly by Lu Dort’s Flagrant 1 foul on Toppin just before halftime. The Pacers capped off the half with a 15-6 run, heading into the break with a 60-57 lead.
In the third quarter, Toppin’s pivotal baseline dunk propelled Indiana to an 86-76 lead, marking their first double-digit advantage of the series late into the game. However, the Thunder quickly answered back with a furious 13-3 run, managing to tie the game at 89 early in the fourth quarter. The momentum shift indicated the competitive spirit rampant throughout the match, as both teams continued to battle it out for supremacy.
As the game progressed, it remained tightly contested with multiple ties, including 91, 95, and 97, escalating the tension among fans and players alike. Gilgeous-Alexander eventually broke the deadlock, sinking a step-back jumper with just 2:23 remaining, which gave the Thunder their first lead of the second half at 104-103. This crucial moment underscored Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to perform under pressure, highlighting his significance to Oklahoma City’s playoff aspirations.
Supporting Gilgeous-Alexander’s effort, Jalen Williams contributed 27 points, while Alex Caruso added 20 and Chet Holmgren made an impact with 14 points and 15 rebounds. The Thunder’s offensive strategy took a different form during the game, as they recorded a season-low of three 3-pointers and, notably, Gilgeous-Alexander did not register any assists — a first in the season. This atypical performance reflected the adaptive strategies teams must employ in high-stakes scenarios.
Looking ahead, Game 5 of the series promises an exhilarating clash as the Thunder prepared to host the Pacers in Oklahoma City. With momentum shifted after this victory, the Thunder reclaimed home-court advantage, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. The combined efforts of the Thunder’s key players and their demonstrated resilience underline their determination to capture the championship as they strive to seize control of the series.
