Lu Dort’s clutch three sparks Thunder’s run in must-win Game 4 [VIDEO]
Lu Dort’s Three-Pointer Levels Game 4, Reignites Thunder’s Hope
In a high-stakes showdown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lu Dort delivered one of the most pivotal plays of Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals. With 4:48 remaining in the second quarter, Dort sank a deep three-pointer that tied the game at 24-24 and capped off a 9-0 run for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The bucket was more than just points on the board; it was a rallying cry for a Thunder squad facing elimination, down 2-1 in the series to the Indiana Pacers.
A loss tonight would be devastating for the OKC Thunder. To lose Game 4 would put them down 3-1 to the Pacers, going back to Oklahoma City Thunder. In addition, that would mean the Thunder would be one loss away from losing the NBA Finals. So, that would be a less-than-ideal ending for the Thunder who went 68-14 and for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP season. That said, Lu Dort’s three was clutch for OKC, putting them back in the game.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Hostile Ground
The sold-out crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse created a wall of noise and gold as fans clad in yellow made their presence felt. For the Thunder, playing in such a hostile environment amplified the stakes. Dort’s momentum-shifting triple was a dagger into the heart of the Pacers’ early lead and a signal that OKC wasn’t going down quietly.
Historically, playing in Indiana has always been hostile. Dating back to the Reggie Miller days, the Pacers’ home crowd has always been among the NBA’s most passionate. However, the Thunder have to find ways to overcome this, if they’re going to win. Meanwhile, the Pacers have their home crowd behind them to fuel their momentum.
Dort Steps Up on Both Ends
Long known for his elite perimeter defense, Lu Dort is no stranger to playoff pressure. Yet, what made this play so crucial was its offensive importance. Hitting the game-tying shot in such a moment showcased how far Dort has come in evolving his offensive game. While primarily regarded as a defensive stopper, moments like these highlight his potential to be a two-way threat on the biggest stage.
The shot was emblematic of the Thunder’s urgency. While the game was still far from over, the impact of tying the score in the first quarter of an elimination game cannot be overstated. Now, the energy is being set, as is the stage, for the rest of this game.
Thunder’s Strategy: Fighting to Extend the Series
With the Pacers holding a 2-1 lead, Game 4 is do-or-die for Oklahoma City. The Thunder’s game plan has revolved around leveraging their elite defense and finding offensive rhythm through players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Dort’s three-pointer added another wrinkle to their offensive dynamics and gave the Thunder bench and coaching staff a surge of momentum.
Although the Pacers struck first and led for most of the first quarter, the Thunder’s 9-0 run was a clear indication of a momentum shift. The pace, energy, and hustle picked up noticeably after Dort’s shot, creating a visible shift on both ends of the floor.
Fan Reactions: Broadcast Woes and Electric Excitement
Despite the excitement, many fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustration over not seeing the play live due to a poorly timed commercial cut. This glitch made fans highly upset, as this game has been highly entertaining from the tip-off. Most of the fans ended up missing Lu Dort making the key shot.
As a result, the fans were frustrated, and they were not shy about this in their commentary. So, they went on the platform and they called the NBA out. Varying reasons could have caused this to happen, but the people already had their idea about what went wrong. Regardless, it made for an entertaining moment for the casual viewers.
@Erich_Cramer: “Would have been nice to see”
@jakeviousmingo: “Greedy cut the broadcast mid-shot for an ad. Shameless. Not my nba finals”
@DomGoogs: “Nobody saw it.”
@Frm713x: “Nice lag nba”
@CKPicks23: “Couldn’t see it”
However, not all reactions were negative. Plenty of Thunder fans flooded the platform with love for Dort and the run:
@punk7039: “Luuuuu”
@swole_alt: “DORT FROM DOWN TOWN LETS GO OKC”
@GeekedCrypto: “Geeked up LU DORT WITH THE TRIPLE 🔥 Thunder on a 9-0 run and the game is tied!”
@EvanGuthrie: “Big 3. Playing to win.”
@DreamMetaX: “Louie D”
The juxtaposition of excitement and outrage illustrates the modern sports viewing experience: moments of awe mixed with the all-too-familiar annoyance of digital lag and mid-play ads.
What This Means for the Series
With the series standing at 2-1 in favor of Indiana, Game 4 is Oklahoma City’s lifeline. A win would have the series tied, as they head back to OKC for Game 5. So, the Thunder would have their own passionate home crowd and a chance to take a 3-2 series lead. Therefore, injecting renewed belief into the squad and their fanbase. A loss would spell the end of what has been a remarkable playoff run for the Thunder.
For the Pacers, who have executed efficiently and fed off their home crowd throughout the series, the goal remains simple: close the door on the Thunder and go into Game 5 on the road with a 3-1 series lead. Even with a hypothetical Game 5 loss, in that scenario, the Pacers would come back home to Gainbridge for Game 6 with a chance to win the title at home.
Regardless, the stakes are high for both teams and those with a vested interest. Both Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have had historic seasons. For both, winning the championship would cap an amazing run this season. Also, it would be the highlight of two uniquely interesting careers these men have enjoyed. Meanwhile, Lu Dort had the key three that would put OKC back in the game.
Dort’s three-pointer may be a footnote by the end of the game—or it could be the spark that reignited OKC’s title hopes.