INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers appeared to be on the verge of taking control of their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but an unexpected turn of events in the fourth quarter shifted the momentum dramatically. Just when it seemed like the Pacers were ready to seal the deal, a "Thunderstorm" took over the game, leading to a 111-104 victory for OKC. This pivotal fourth quarter could very well be the moment when the series shifted in favor of the Thunder, as the Pacers watched their lead evaporate and their confidence wane.
With this loss, the 2025 NBA playoffs series is now tied 2-2, and the Thunder have regained their footing after a lackluster performance earlier in the game. Despite trailing for most of the match and managing only three 3-pointers, Oklahoma City outscored Indiana 31-17 in the final quarter, showcasing their resilience and championship pedigree.
One of the standout performances came from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who rose to the occasion when the Thunder needed him most. Entering the fourth quarter down by seven points, Shai finished the game with 15 points in the final quarter, demonstrating why he’s considered a Kia MVP candidate. His tenacity and skill were critical, especially after struggling in Game 3, where he managed only one basket in the clutch.
Gilgeous-Alexander's performance included a baseline jumper that gave the Thunder a crucial lead, as well as eight free throw attempts in the game’s final minutes. Despite some controversy regarding his offensive plays, Shai's ability to deliver under pressure was undeniable. "I just tried to be aggressive," he remarked after the game, reflecting on his determination to contribute to the team's success.
On the other side, Tyrese Haliburton found himself in a challenging position. With the Pacers within striking distance, he failed to convert key opportunities down the stretch, including an air-balled three-pointer that could have shifted the game in Indiana’s favor. His struggles were compounded by a lack of support from teammates, particularly Pascal Siakam, who was unable to contribute in the final moments. “I have to do a better job of keeping pace in the game,” Haliburton acknowledged, emphasizing the need for improvement in future matches.
Alex Caruso continued to make a significant impact for the Thunder, scoring 20 points off the bench and contributing five steals. His performance was particularly crucial as the team sought to regain control of the game. While he had a couple of shaky moments, his overall effort did not go unnoticed by teammates and coaches alike. "He does whatever it takes on any given night," Gilgeous-Alexander praised, highlighting Caruso's importance to the team's success.
For the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin had a game to forget. After an impressive Game 3 performance, he struggled to make an impact in Game 4, missing crucial free throws and committing two off-ball fouls that resulted in easy points for the Thunder. His inability to step up in the clutch was a stark contrast to his previous performance, demonstrating the unpredictability of playoff basketball.
The Thunder now appear to have regained their home-court advantage and the confidence that comes with it. With players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren stepping up, Oklahoma City is poised to capitalize on this momentum. Coach Mark Daigneault expressed his pride in the team’s resilience, stating, “Just to hang in there, just kind of showed who we are.”
The next few games will be critical as both teams look to assert their dominance in this tightly contested series. The Pacers and Thunder, both known for their tenacity and skill, will undoubtedly bring their best as they vie for a place in the next round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
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