In one of the most thrilling games of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed back in the fourth quarter to defeat the Indiana Pacers 111-104 in Game 4. Led by a masterclass from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 19 of his 34 points in the final period, the Thunder erased a double-digit deficit and tied the series at two games apiece. This back-and-forth battle is shaping up to be an unforgettable Finals showdown.
Thunder Down but Never Out
For three quarters, it looked like Indiana was on its way to a 3-1 series lead. The Pacers came out aggressive, moving the ball well and controlling the pace. Tyrese Haliburton was in rhythm early, finding teammates and hitting from deep. Pascal Siakam also played with force, using his experience and size to challenge OKC’s younger frontcourt.
By the third quarter, the Pacers had built a 10-point lead. Their defense was sharp, and the Thunder looked disjointed. Missed shots and turnovers plagued Oklahoma City, and the momentum seemed firmly in Indiana’s hands. But as we’ve seen all postseason, the Thunder are never out of a game — especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the floor.
The Shai Show: 4th Quarter Takeover
When the fourth quarter began, Gilgeous-Alexander took control. Calm, composed, and deadly efficient, he dissected the Pacers’ defense possession after possession. Floaters, mid-range jumpers, euro-steps through traffic — Shai brought out the full arsenal. Indiana simply had no answer for him.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to slow the game down and get to his spots under pressure is what makes him one of the NBA’s elite guards. As the Pacers’ lead slipped away, his confidence only grew. His 19-point fourth quarter was a demonstration of leadership, poise, and elite shot-making.
After the game, head coach Mark Daigneault praised his star’s performance:
“Shai wasn’t just scoring — he was reading the floor, setting the tone, and making winning plays. That’s what great players do.”
Supporting Cast Rises
Although Shai was the headline act, his teammates rose to the moment as well. Chet Holmgren, the lanky rookie center, had a strong all-around game with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Two of those blocks came in the closing minutes, helping the Thunder protect their slim lead.
Jalen Williams, one of OKC’s most consistent two-way players, added 16 points and hit a clutch three-pointer late in the fourth to tie the game. His energy and activity were crucial as the Thunder turned defense into offense during their run.
Veterans like Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Joe also made critical plays on both ends. Dort’s perimeter defense helped slow down Haliburton in the fourth, while Joe spaced the floor and hit timely threes to keep the Pacers honest.
This wasn’t just a one-man comeback. It was a team win — forged through hustle, composure, and belief.
Pacers Collapse Late
The Pacers, for their part, played well for most of the game but fell apart when it mattered most. After leading by 10 at the start of the fourth, their offense stagnated. Poor shot selection, miscommunication, and costly turnovers gave the Thunder life — and eventually, the lead.
Tyrese Haliburton led the way for Indiana with 23 points and 9 assists, but he struggled in the final period. Whether it was the pressure of the moment or OKC’s tightened defense, he couldn’t generate clean looks down the stretch.
Pascal Siakam had 21 points and 8 rebounds, but he too went quiet when the game was on the line. The Pacers’ bench, a strength earlier in the series, also failed to produce when the team needed a lift.
After the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle admitted his team let one slip away:
“We had control, but we didn’t close. That’s on all of us. We’ll be better prepared for Game 5.”
Series Tied: Momentum Shifts to Oklahoma City
With this win, the series is tied 2-2 — and suddenly, the pressure shifts to Indiana. The Thunder now return home for Game 5 with renewed confidence and momentum. The crowd at Paycom Center will be deafening, and the young OKC squad will look to feed off that energy.
It’s worth noting how rare it is for such a young team — OKC is the youngest squad to make the Finals in decades — to show this kind of poise. But this is not just a team built for the future. They’re ready now. And they believe.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise from promising guard to full-fledged superstar has been one of the most compelling stories of the 2025 season. With each clutch performance, he’s proving that he’s built for the biggest moments.
What to Watch in Game 5
As we head into a pivotal Game 5, the biggest question will be: Can the Pacers respond?
- Can Indiana’s stars bounce back? Haliburton and Siakam will need to be more aggressive and efficient, especially in crunch time.
- Will OKC’s role players keep stepping up? If players like Holmgren, Williams, and Joe continue to contribute, the Thunder could take control of the series.
- Can Gilgeous-Alexander maintain this level? If he keeps playing like this, he could end the Finals as both a champion and a Finals MVP.
Game 5 is set for Friday night in Oklahoma City, and it’s shaping up to be a classic. With both teams showing they can win under pressure, expect fireworks from the opening tip.
Final Score: Thunder 111, Pacers 104
Series: Tied 2-2
Are the Thunder now the favorites to win it all? Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deliver another clutch performance in Game 5? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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