Thunder even Finals series with Pacers in Game 4 thriller [VIDEO]

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Jun 14, 2025

Thunder vs Pacers Game 4: Thunder Even Series in NBA Finals Thriller

On June 13, inside a packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the Oklahoma City Thunder clawed back from a series deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 111-104 in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals. This result ties the series at 2-2 and shifts momentum heading into a pivotal Game 5 in Oklahoma City. Powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch 35-point performance and a ferocious fourth-quarter surge, the Thunder regained home-court advantage and control of the championship narrative.

NBA Finals Game 4: Must-Win for the Thunder

Trailing 2-1 in the series, Oklahoma City came into this matchup with everything on the line. The Pacers, playing in front of 17,274 energized fans (95.1% capacity), had a chance to push the Thunder to the brink. The game, broadcast on ABC and officiated by veteran referees Scott Foster, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright, carried both pressure and historic weight. According to historical data, teams winning Game 5 of a 2-2 NBA Finals series go on to win the championship 74.2% of the time.

Now, the Thunder head back home in full control of the series. Typically, the home team wins Game 5 coming back home, anyway. But if Oklahoma City does this, they will be within one win of the NBA championship.

First Half Recap: Pacers Start Strong

The Pacers came out hot, ending the first quarter with a 35-34 lead behind efficient ball movement and strong shooting. By halftime, Indiana extended their lead slightly to 60-57, thanks to balanced scoring and defensive pressure. The Thunder struggled to connect from three-point range, going just 1-of-10 from deep in the first half.

However, the Thunder were fully aware of the stakes. So, they had to make something happen if they wanted to stay in contention for the title. As a result, they worked to ensure the second half ended differently for them than the first half. For the fans, they got an amazing game from start to finish.

Third Quarter: Indiana Extends the Lead

Behind Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers pushed their lead to 87-80 by the end of the third quarter. Haliburton was facilitating well, and Siakam was imposing himself in the paint. Oklahoma City continued to misfire from long range, finishing the quarter at just 14.3% from three.

Through three games and 75% of the fourth game, the Pacers looked like the better team. More importantly, they played like it. Their efforts were making the 68-14 Oklahoma City Thunder look overrated. However, the Pacers’ postseason heroics wound up not being enough last night.

Fourth Quarter Surge: Thunder Flip the Script

Everything changed in the fourth. The Thunder erupted with a 31-17 advantage in the final period, anchored by a spectacular stretch from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 15 of the team’s final 16 points in the last 4:38. The turning point came with his baseline jumper at the 2:23 mark, which gave OKC a 104-103 lead. He followed that up with crucial free throws at the 44-second mark to stretch the lead to 107-103.

In the end, the Thunder’s strong play, anchored by Lu Dort’s defense, prevented the Pacers’ late-game heroics. Because of how often Indiana has come back on teams, OKC included, it’s impossible to count them out until the game is over. However, the Thunder wound up leaving Indiana with the win once this game was over. In large part, this was thanks to SGA.

Player of the Game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

SGA proved again why he’s one of the league’s elite, finishing with 35 points on 12-of-24 shooting, 10-of-10 from the free-throw line, and adding 3 steals and a block in 40 minutes. His calm demeanor and aggressive drives late in the game drew 8 fouls, disrupting the Pacers’ defensive rhythm and forcing critical errors.

During the first half, Lu Dort kept the Thunder in the game. That part of the game saw fans on social media being highly critical of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, when the second half came, he proved why he is the MVP of the league. Meanwhile, the Thunder as a whole showed what a true team effort looks like.

In the end, their franchise player in SGA closed the game. Now, the collective efforts led by Gilgeous-Alexander led to the Thunder coming back home tied up 2-2.

Supporting Cast: Williams, Caruso, and Holmgren Step Up

Jalen Williams was huge for OKC, dropping 27 points, grabbing 7 boards, and going 11-of-11 at the line. Chet Holmgren added a gritty 14 points and 15 rebounds, including 4 offensive boards, providing much-needed toughness inside.

Off the bench, Alex Caruso delivered a playoff masterpiece with 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, 5 steals, and a block in 30 minutes. His defensive energy helped the Thunder force 15 turnovers, turning stops into fast-break opportunities and fueling the comeback.

Pacers Collapse in the Clutch

Despite strong performances early, Indiana crumbled in crunch time. Haliburton ended with 18 points and 7 assists but went cold in the fourth, missing all three shots and logging zero assists. Siakam, who had 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals through three quarters, was held scoreless in the final frame and committed a costly turnover.

Bennedict Mathurin added to the late-game woes by missing 3 of his final 4 free throws and committing two off-ball fouls in the closing minute. Aaron Nesmith fouled out with 44 seconds left, weakening Indiana’s already-stressed defense.

Stat Breakdown: Key Differences

  • Thunder FG%: 47.4% (37-78)
  • Thunder 3PT%: 18.8% (3-16)
  • Thunder FT%: 89.5% (34-38)
  • Pacers FG%: 42.5% (34-80)
  • Pacers 3PT%: 30.6% (11-36)
  • Pacers FT%: 75.8% (25-33)
  • Rebounds: Thunder 43 (12 offensive) | Pacers 33 (7 offensive)
  • Steals: Thunder 12 | Pacers 11

The Thunder’s ability to dominate the glass and convert at the line proved critical. Their +10 rebound advantage and 9 more free-throw makes swung momentum and ultimately decided the outcome.

Coaching and Game Management, Thunder Reclaim Momentum

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault deserves credit for trusting Caruso with extended minutes and managing rotations effectively. His decision to let SGA run isolation plays down the stretch paid off. Rick Carlisle, on the other hand, struggled to stop the bleeding, failing to counter the Thunder’s defensive pressure or reignite Indiana’s ball movement.

With the win, the Thunder not only evened the series but reclaimed home-court advantage. Game 5 will be played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on June 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET, broadcast again on ABC. All eyes are on how the Pacers respond—and whether SGA can keep up his MVP-caliber form.