The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, stun the Pacers 104-101 on June 14, 2025, to tie the NBA Finals 2-2. Read how OKC stole Game 4 at Gainbridge.
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
It was in their grasp. A 3-1 series lead, a chance to move one win away from an NBA Championship. But in a stunning turn of events, the Indiana Pacers watched it all slip away in the final minutes of Game 4, falling 104-101 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a game that will sting for a long time. The series is now tied 2-2, and the momentum has swung dramatically as the scene shifts back to OKC.
We have to finish stronger and execute in the clutch. This series is far from over.
For three and a half quarters, the Pacers played their brand of basketball. They led 60-57 at halftime, fueled by another strong performance from Pascal Siakam who dropped 14 in the first half. The defense, anchored by Myles Turner, was disruptive. But the final frame belonged entirely to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder superstar was unstoppable, pouring in 15 of his team's final 16 points to single-handedly rip the game from Indiana's hands. The Pacers were outscored 29-22 in the fourth, a brutal collapse that left Gainbridge Fieldhouse in stunned silence.
While the late-game execution failed, a concerning trend has emerged for the Pacers' offense. The team that dominated the paint all season is struggling to score inside. During the Finals, Indiana is averaging just 22 made two-pointers per game, a steep drop from their regular-season average of 30. This has forced a greater reliance on the three-point shot, and while they've been respectable, it's a departure from the identity that got them here. Finding a way to get back to their interior dominance will be critical in OKC.
The disappointment was palpable after the final buzzer. Tyrese Haliburton was visibly frustrated leaving the court, a reflection of the opportunity lost. In post-game interviews, he and Pascal Siakam spoke about the need for better composure and execution down the stretch. But the message from the team, echoed on social media, was one of resolve. They know what's at stake. As Coach Rick Carlisle put it, this series is far from over. The focus has already shifted to regrouping and preparing for the hostile environment awaiting them.
The pain of this loss is real, but the series is now a best-of-three. The mission is clear: win one on the road. The Pacers have proven they can compete with anyone, but now they face their biggest test of the season. Game 5 in Oklahoma City isn't just a game; it's a chance for redemption and a fight for their championship lives. It's time to regroup, refocus, and show the world what this team is made of.
