The Oklahoma City Thunder clawed their way back into the 2025 NBA Finals on Friday night with a stirring 111–104 victory over the Indiana Pacers, evening the best-of-seven series at 2–2. Fueled by a late scoring outburst from MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a gritty team effort, the Thunder flipped the script in Game 4 and now return to Oklahoma City with renewed momentum heading into Monday’s pivotal Game 5.
Gilgeous-Alexander Dominates Down the Stretch
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved why he was crowned the league’s Most Valuable Player, posting a game-high 35 points — including a spectacular 15-point run in the final 4 minutes and 38 seconds. Despite failing to record an assist for the first time all season, the All-NBA guard elevated his team when it mattered most, scoring on a mix of drives, mid-range pull-ups, and clutch free throws.
“It’s about staying poised,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “We knew we had it in us. We just had to play our game and trust each other.”
His offensive heroics propelled Oklahoma City out of a 10-point second-half deficit and silenced the raucous crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Supporting Cast Shines
While Gilgeous-Alexander grabbed headlines, the Thunder’s supporting cast made critical contributions. Jalen Williams poured in 27 points, demonstrating his offensive versatility and composure under pressure. Veteran guard Alex Caruso delivered a standout performance off the bench with 20 points, knocking down timely shots and providing defensive intensity.
Rookie Chet Holmgren added a key double-double, scoring 14 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. His rebounding dominance and rim protection helped contain Indiana’s frontcourt and generated valuable second-chance points.
Intensity Boils Over
Game 4 was marked by its physical tone and emotional volatility. The most heated moment came in the second quarter when Indiana forward Obi Toppin was called for a flagrant foul on Caruso, prompting a tense confrontation involving Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein. Referees issued technical fouls to both Toppin and Hartenstein, briefly halting the game as tempers flared.
“It’s the Finals — it’s going to get chippy,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “But we kept our focus and stayed locked in.”
Pacers Stumble in Final Minutes
The Pacers controlled much of the game, with Pascal Siakam scoring 20 points and backcourt stars Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin adding 18 and 17 points respectively. Indiana’s offensive fluidity, however, broke down late in the fourth quarter. The team scored just six points over the final five minutes, unable to withstand the Thunder’s closing 16–7 run.
Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the breakdown: “We had some good looks we didn’t convert. But defensively, we just didn’t get the stops we needed.”
The loss marks the first time in the series that Indiana has relinquished a second-half lead.
Free Throws Key as Thunder Weather Cold Shooting
Despite an abysmal 3-for-17 performance from three-point range, the Thunder found success at the free-throw line, where they converted 34 shots. Their relentless drives to the basket and aggressive play earned them repeated trips to the line, neutralizing their shooting woes.
“Sometimes your shot isn’t falling, but you’ve got to find other ways to win,” said Williams. “Tonight, we got to the line and made it count.”
What’s Ahead: Game 5 and Series Implications
With the series tied, both teams head into Game 5 facing a critical turning point. The Thunder will enjoy home-court advantage in Oklahoma City, where they are undefeated this postseason. For the Pacers, rebounding from a blown opportunity on their home floor will be a test of resilience.
Strategically, expect Oklahoma City to continue pressuring Indiana’s defense with aggressive drives, while Indiana will likely reassess its late-game execution and turnover control.
The Thunder’s comeback win has shifted the Finals narrative, proving that momentum in this series remains highly volatile. If Game 4 was any indication, the remaining matchups promise more drama, intensity, and high-stakes basketball.