INDIANAPOLIS — The comeback kings of the NBA faced a rare turn of events in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from a 10-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Indiana Pacers 111-104. The Thunder's star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, delivered an impressive performance, scoring 35 points, while fellow All-Star Jalen Williams contributed 27 points. This victory ties the series at two games apiece, setting the stage for Game 5, which will take place at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on Monday.
The Indiana Pacers have built a reputation for staging remarkable comebacks during these playoffs, often overcoming significant deficits. They hold records for the most 15-point and seven-point comebacks with just one minute remaining in NBA playoff history. However, in this crucial fourth quarter, the Pacers faltered, failing to score from the 3:19 mark until Bennedict Mathurin made a free throw with only 20 seconds left on the clock. This uncharacteristic cold spell allowed the Thunder to seize control and even the series.
Despite entering the fourth quarter trailing, Oklahoma City demonstrated remarkable resilience. Coach Mark Daigneault praised his team's poise, stating, "We just gutted it out on a night where we didn’t really have a lot going." The Thunder's defense tightened, and they dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Pacers 12-4 in the final quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander's late-game heroics included scoring 15 of the Thunder's final 16 points, showcasing his status as the NBA's scoring champion.
Despite their early success, the Pacers struggled in the fourth quarter, shooting only 5 of 18 from the field and missing all eight of their 3-point attempts. Their leading scorer, Pascal Siakam, who finished with 20 points, was shut out in the final period. Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard combined for just one basket on seven attempts, while only Tyrese Haliburton managed to contribute, scoring eight of his 18 points in the closing moments.
Oklahoma City capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, converting 34 of 38 attempts, while the Pacers made 25 of 33. This discrepancy proved crucial in a game where every point mattered. Coach Rick Carlisle expressed disappointment in his team’s performance but remained optimistic, stating, "We’re going to have to dig in, circle the wagons, and come back stronger on Monday." With three games remaining in the series, the Pacers are determined to reclaim their momentum.
In a game marked by intense back-and-forth action, the Pacers initially surged ahead, leading 60-57 at halftime. Obi Toppin electrified the crowd with a thunderous dunk, giving Indiana a ten-point lead late in the third quarter. However, the Thunder quickly countered, tying the game and ultimately taking control down the stretch.
The Indiana Pacers will need to regroup as they head into Game 5. With the series now tied at 2-2 and the next game in Oklahoma City, they must find a way to regain their shooting touch and maintain their defensive intensity. Siakam emphasized the need for confidence moving forward, stating, "We’ve just got to go out there with our confidence." As the Finals continue, both teams are poised for a thrilling showdown in Game 5.
