The intensity of the NBA Finals reached a fever pitch in Game 4, as the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a stunning comeback performance to defeat the Indiana Pacers 111-104, leveling the hard-fought series at 2-2. This pivotal victory, secured on the Pacers’ home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, not only reclaims home-court advantage for the Thunder but sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to professional basketball’s ultimate championship. For fans invested in sports betting, this series continues to offer unpredictable twists and turns, with odds fluctuating wildly after each contested game.
The game, played on June 14, 2025, Philippine time (June 13th in the US), was a testament to resilience and star power, particularly from Oklahoma City Thunder’s MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While the Indiana Pacers started strong and maintained a significant lead for much of the contest, the Thunder’s unwavering spirit in the fourth quarter proved decisive, turning a potential 3-1 deficit into an even series heading back to Oklahoma City for Game 5. This monumental shift in momentum has irrevocably altered the narrative of the series.
First Half: Pacers Dictate the Tempo with Offensive Fluidity
From the opening tip-off, the Indiana Pacers came out with aggressive intent, showcasing the offensive fluidity that had given them a 2-1 series lead. Tyrese Haliburton, the dynamic point guard for the Pacers, orchestrated their attack with precision, delivering key passes and hitting timely shots. The Pacers quickly established a rhythm, scoring 20 points in the first five minutes and building an early nine-point advantage. Their sharp shooting, especially from beyond the arc, put the Thunder on their heels, forcing them into uncomfortable defensive rotations. Myles Turner, the Pacers’ formidable center, also made his presence felt early, impacting shots on defense and contributing crucial points in the paint, setting a physical tone.
By the end of the first quarter, the Pacers led 35-34, a testament to their efficient offense. Pascal Siakam, a key figure for the Indiana Pacers, was instrumental in their early success, contributing with his versatile scoring from mid-range and aggressive drives to the basket, coupled with strong defensive presence. The Thunder, however, managed to stay within striking distance despite their own struggles, particularly from three-point range. They focused on scoring in the paint, capitalizing on offensive rebounds for second-chance opportunities, and drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line, keeping the game close through sheer force of will and opportunistic scoring.
As the second quarter unfolded, the back-and-forth battle continued with intense physicality. The Pacers maintained their lead, extending it to double digits at one point through a combination of fast breaks and well-executed half-court sets. The tension on the court was palpable, with both teams incurring flagrant fouls as the intensity mounted, reflecting the high stakes of an NBA Finals contest.
Despite the Pacers’ control, the Thunder’s defense showed flashes of brilliance, forcing turnovers with aggressive traps and disrupting Indiana’s flow with timely deflections. This resilience prevented the Pacers from truly pulling away. At halftime, the Pacers held a narrow 60-57 lead, but the Thunder’s persistence hinted at a potential shift in momentum, demonstrating their refusal to yield despite the scoreboard.
The Turning Point: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Fourth Quarter Masterclass
The third quarter saw the Indiana Pacers continue to dictate terms, pushing their lead to 10 points late in the period. Obi Toppin’s emphatic baseline dunk underscored their dominance at that moment, highlighting their athleticism and control over the pace of the game, giving them their first double-digit lead of the entire series. It felt like the Pacers were on the verge of taking a commanding 3-1 lead, putting immense pressure on the Oklahoma City Thunder and signaling a potentially short series for prognosticators involved in sports betting.
However, the fourth quarter belonged entirely to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder’s collective will. Despite struggling for much of the game, including an uncharacteristic night with zero assists, the MVP-caliber guard “flipped the switch” in spectacular fashion. He scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the final four minutes and 38 seconds, a clutch performance that resurrected the Thunder’s chances from what seemed like an inevitable defeat.
His ability to draw fouls with deceptive drives and convert free throws was crucial, as he made all 10 of his attempts from the charity stripe, including eight in the crucial final frame. This included a contested step-back jumper with 2:23 remaining that gave the Thunder their first lead of the second half at 104-103, a lead they would miraculously not relinquish. This sequence showcased his unshakeable composure under the most intense pressure.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics were supported by absolutely vital performances from his teammates. Jalen Williams contributed a pivotal 27 points, going a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line, demonstrating his exceptional poise and ability to attack the rim under pressure. Alex Caruso added 20 points and five steals, providing crucial defensive intensity with his relentless pursuit of the ball and offensive spark off the bench with timely cuts and perimeter shooting. Chet Holmgren also delivered a vital double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds, impacting the game on both ends with his rim protection and critical offensive boards that extended possessions. The synergy between these players in the crucial final minutes highlighted the Thunder’s growth as a cohesive unit.
The Thunder’s victory was remarkable, especially considering their season-low of just three successful three-pointers. They compensated for their perimeter struggles by relentlessly attacking the rim, securing offensive rebounds with ferocity, and consistently getting to the free-throw line, a strategic adjustment that paid massive dividends. Their defensive effort in the fourth quarter was also stellar, limiting the Pacers’ scoring opportunities, forcing contested shots, and generating critical turnovers from key players like Tyrese Haliburton, who struggled to maintain control against the Thunder’s suffocating pressure.
Key Performances and Broad Series Implications
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35-point outing highlighted his ability to take over games when it matters most, even when his overall game isn’t flowing perfectly. His individual brilliance in the fourth quarter underscores why he is considered one of the league’s elite players, capable of single-handedly shifting the outcome of a game. Despite the uncharacteristic lack of assists, his scoring burst and unwavering composure under pressure were the driving forces behind the Thunder’s incredible comeback. This monumental performance will undoubtedly be a key talking point in discussions around this year’s NBA Finals MVP considerations.
For the Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton finished with 18 points and 7 assists, but his 5 turnovers proved costly in the final minutes, particularly against the Thunder’s heightened defensive intensity. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 20 points, contributing consistently throughout the game, and Obi Toppin added 17 points, providing valuable energy off the bench. However, the team’s inability to maintain their lead against the Thunder’s surge and their struggles with late-game execution ultimately led to their defeat.
The Pacers will need to regroup and address their composure and decision-making in high-pressure situations as the series progresses. The momentum has clearly swung back to the Thunder, adding another layer of intrigue for fans, especially those interested in sports betting markets, which will likely see the Thunder as renewed favorites for Game 5.
This Game 4 result dramatically transforms the NBA Finals into a best-of-three series, with Game 5 now shifting back to Oklahoma City. The Thunder have successfully reclaimed home-court advantage, a significant psychological and logistical edge that provides them with familiarity and the roar of their home crowd. History shows that teams with a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals have an overwhelming chance of winning the championship, so the Thunder’s comeback prevented them from facing nearly insurmountable odds. This series is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable nature and high-stakes drama.
This dramatic win not only evens the series but also injects immense confidence into the Oklahoma City Thunder. They proved they can win even when their shots aren’t falling, relying on sheer grit, disciplined defense, and the clutch play of their superstar. They demonstrated championship mettle by refusing to fold under pressure.
The Indiana Pacers, on the other hand, will need to learn from this painful loss and find ways to close out games against an increasingly resilient opponent. Their ability to respond to this adversity in Game 5 will be a true test of their character and championship aspirations. The stage is now set for a captivating conclusion, with both teams eyeing the coveted championship trophy, leaving analysts and sports betting enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
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Conclusion: A Series Defined by Resilience
The NBA Finals 2025 has already delivered unforgettable moments, and Game 4 stands out as a prime example of its unpredictable nature and the sheer will of championship contenders. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s ability to rally from a significant deficit, fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game heroics and a collective defensive effort, speaks volumes about their championship aspirations. The series is now perfectly poised at 2-2, promising an exhilarating finish as both the Thunder and the Indiana Pacers battle for supremacy.
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