shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Heroics Propel Thunder to Game 4 Comeback, NBA Finals Tied 2-2!
Table of Contents
June 15, 2025
the Oklahoma City Thunder, fueled by a sensational performance from Kia MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, stormed back from a double-digit deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 111-104 on friday night. The victory evens the NBA Finals series at 2-2, shifting the momentum back to Oklahoma City.
Trailing by 10 points late in the third quarter, the Thunder looked to be on the verge of falling into a 3-1 series hole. However,Gilgeous-Alexander,showcasing the clutch gene reminiscent of Michael jordan or LeBron James,took over. He orchestrated a game-closing 14-3 run that left the Pacers stunned and the Paycom Center crowd roaring.
Oklahoma City, having wrestled back home-court advantage, will host Game 5 on Monday.The series then returns to indiana for Game 6 on Thursday, with a decisive Game 7, if necessary, back in Oklahoma City on Sunday.
For the Pacers, the late-game collapse was a bitter pill to swallow. After leading for much of the game, their offense went ice cold, failing to score a field goal for over three crucial minutes. This drought proved fatal,squandering what appeared to be a golden possibility to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead and move within one win of their first NBA championship.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the regular season MVP, elevated his game when his team needed him most. He finished with a game-high 35 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, along with 3 rebounds and 3 steals. His performance echoed that of past NBA Finals MVPs who seized control in pivotal moments.
He received valuable support from Jalen Williams, who contributed 27 points and 7 rebounds, and Alex Caruso, who provided a spark off the bench with 20 points and a game-high 5 steals. However, the Thunder’s offense struggled shooting a dismal 3-for-17 from beyond the arc (17.6%) and recording only 10 assists as a team.
Ultimately, it was the Thunder’s tenacious defense that proved to be the difference. They clamped down on the Pacers in the final quarter, limiting their scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers. This defensive intensity, a hallmark of championship-caliber teams, allowed Oklahoma City to overcome their offensive struggles.
Pascal siakam led the Pacers with 20 points,8 rebounds,5 assists,and 5 steals. Tyrese Haliburton added 18 points and 7 assists but committed 5 turnovers. obi Toppin provided a boost off the bench with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Despite outscoring the Thunder from three-point range (11-3), the Pacers were ultimately undone by their late-game offensive woes and rebounding struggles (the Thunder outrebounded them 12-4 in the final quarter).
NBA Finals Schedule: Thunder vs. Pacers
With the series now tied at 2-2,the NBA Finals are guaranteed to extend to at least six games. Here’s the remaining schedule:
- Game 5: Monday, June 16, Oklahoma City, 8:30 PM ET (Disney+)
- Game 6: Thursday, June 19, Indiana, TBD
- Game 7 (if necessary): sunday, June 22, Oklahoma City, TBD
Can the Thunder maintain their momentum and capture their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle? or will the Pacers regroup and find a way to win on the road? The next few games promise to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2024-25 NBA season.
SGA COMES UP HUGE IN GAME 4 ⚡️🚨
35 points.
15 in the 4th.
3 steals.THE #KiaMVP DELIVERS IN A MASSIVE MOMENT FOR OKC! pic.twitter.com/uPjnixOSID
– NBA (@nba) June 14, 2025
Key Stats and Player Performances – Game 4
To further dissect the thrilling Game 4, let’s dive into a comparative analysis using key performance indicators. This table breaks down the critical stats for both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers,providing a clearer picture of the game’s pivotal moments and individual player contributions.
| Category | oklahoma City Thunder | Indiana Pacers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 111 | 104 | Oklahoma City overcame a double-digit deficit. |
| Field Goal % | 41.9% | 45.6% | Pacers held a slight edge in shooting efficiency. |
| 3-Point % | 17.6% (3-17) | 33.3% (11-33) | Pacers’ superior 3-point shooting advantage. |
| Free Throw % | 90.9% (10-11) | 76.5% (13-17) | Thunder’s clutch performance from the line. |
| Rebounds | 49 | 42 | Thunder dominated the boards, especially in the final quarter. |
| Assists | 10 | 25 | Pacers’ superior team play in setting up scoring opportunities. |
| Steals | 11 | 10 | Alex Caruso’s impactful defensive presence for OKC. |
| Turnovers | 12 | 16 | Pacers gave the ball away more frequently. |
| Key Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 35 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 10-10 FT | MVP-caliber performance, especially in the fourth quarter. | |
| Key Player: Pascal Siakam | 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals | Led Pacers but was not enough to secure the win. |
Data-Driven Insights: The Thunder’s victory can be attributed to their defensive tenacity and SGA’s dominant performance.Despite the pacers’ higher field goal percentage and superior three-point shooting,the Thunder’s ability to capitalize on free throws and control the rebounding battle proved crucial.
SEO-Amiable FAQ: Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2025 NBA Finals, designed to provide comprehensive answers and improve search engine visibility:
- Q: Who is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
- A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, frequently enough referred to as SGA, is the star point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the reigning Kia MVP. He is known for his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and clutch performances.
- Q: What is the current series score between the Thunder and Pacers?
- A: The series is currently tied 2-2, after the Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 4 on Friday, June 14, 2025.
- Q: When is game 5 of the NBA Finals?
- A: Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2025, and will be held in Oklahoma City. Tip-off time is 8:30 PM ET.
- Q: What are the key factors that led to the Thunder’s Game 4 victory?
- A: the Thunder’s win in Game 4 hinged on several factors. The exceptional performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (35 points, 10-10 FT), strong defense (limiting Pacers in the 4th quarter), and rebounding dominance were key to the comeback. Additionally, the Pacers’ offensive struggles in the closing minutes contributed to the Thunder’s success, despite a poor 3-point shooting night.
- Q: Which players on the Pacers played well in Game 4?
- A: Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with a strong all-around game,contributing 20 points,8 rebounds,5 assists,and 5 steals. Tyrese Haliburton added 18 points and 7 assists. Obi Toppin provided a scoring lift off the bench.
- Q: What does the remaining schedule look like for the 2025 NBA finals?
- A: With the series tied 2-2, the schedule is as follows: Game 5 (Oklahoma City), Game 6 (Indiana), and Game 7 (if necessary, Oklahoma City). Detailed schedule details is available in this article.
- Q: What is the Paycom Center?
- A: The Paycom Center is the home arena of the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Games 5 and 7 (if necessary) will be played. It is a key element of “home-court advantage” for the Thunder.
- Q: Can the Thunder win their first NBA Championship since relocating from Seattle?
- A: Yes. The Oklahoma City Thunder have an equal chance of winning their first NBA Championship as relocating from Seattle with the Pacers. the series is tied 2-2, and they have home-court advantage in two of the remaining possible three games. The outcome is still very much in the air, making for a compelling conclusion to the 2025 NBA season.
Disclaimer: All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of June 15, 2025. Check [[3]] and [[2]] for the latest updates.
