Indianapolis – In a thrilling encounter during Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, the Indiana Pacers faced a disappointing setback against the Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing a fourth-quarter lead to slip away. Despite the frustration expressed by star player Tyrese Haliburton, he remains optimistic about the team's prospects as the series heads to Oklahoma City tied at 2-2.
Following the 111-104 defeat, Haliburton emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. "As a team, you have to be ready to respond," he stated. "You've just got to be able to respond when your back is against the wall, and that's where we are right now." The young star conveyed his confidence in the team's ability to rebound, insisting, "We've got to be ready to go and fight for 48 minutes." He acknowledged the challenge ahead but affirmed his belief in the strength and unity of the group, saying, "I wouldn't want to go to war with any other group."
In a critical fourth quarter, the Pacers were outscored 31-17, with their last field goal coming at the 3:20 mark, leading 103-99. The Thunder's defensive intensity ramped up significantly, effectively shutting down the Pacers' offense. "An inability to come up with rebounds and key stops was a part of it," noted Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. "Things got very difficult." The Thunder contested 15 of the Pacers' 18 shots in the final quarter, showcasing a defensive clinic that made scoring a challenge for Indiana.
With Game 5 set for Monday night in Oklahoma City, Haliburton expressed eagerness for the upcoming challenge in a hostile environment. "For us to win, we're going to have to win one down there," he said. He acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "We've got a couple of days to sit on this, watch film, and see where we can get better. I'm excited about the challenge."
Despite the loss, the Pacers showcased a balanced offense with five players scoring in double figures. Pascal Siakam led the team with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals, while Haliburton contributed 18 points and 7 assists. The Pacers held their first double-digit lead in the series late in the third quarter, demonstrating their potential to compete at the highest level.
While Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated with 35 points, the Pacers' guards, including Andrew Nembhard, aimed to limit his impact. Nembhard remarked, "We just did our job of being pests, playing hard, trying to mix different guys and just make it as tough as possible on him. He's the MVP." Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance was notable, as he scored efficiently while being held without an assist.
Since the series began, Coach Carlisle has been instilling the mindset that the NBA Finals is a lengthy battle requiring endurance. "It's long. It's arduous. But it's the greatest opportunity going," he stated. Carlisle emphasized that the series would test the fundamentals of the game, saying, "This kind of a challenge is going to have extreme highs and extreme lows." He remains committed to rallying his team, urging them to "circle the wagons and come back stronger on Monday."
The Indiana Pacers are determined to bounce back and seize the opportunity in Game 5, with confidence in their ability to rise to the challenge and continue their fight for the NBA Championship.
