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**INDIANAPOLIS** — The Indiana Pacers executed their strategy flawlessly, nearly sealing a decisive victory over Oklahoma City. However, a sudden shift in momentum led to their undoing, as the Thunderstorm arrived unheralded.
While the final outcome of Game 4 may not solely define the series, it marked a significant turning point for the Pacers. Their once-comfortable lead dwindled, confidence crumbled, and the optimistic atmosphere within Gainbridge Fieldhouse dissipated rapidly as Oklahoma City triumphed 111-104.
The Thunder thwarted any notions of falling behind 3-1, mounting a formidable comeback just when they appeared vulnerable. Though they struggled early, having made only three 3-pointers and faced a deficit for much of the game, they managed to find a path to victory. By outscoring the Pacers 31-17 in the fourth quarter, the series is now tied at 2-2, with Oklahoma City temporarily holding the momentum.
In this contest, the Thunder, especially late in the game, resembled the powerhouse team that dominated the season, notching 68 wins, housing the Kia MVP, and showcasing the league’s top defense. They surged back just when they needed it the most.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, alongside familiar contributors Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, snatched a crucial win that was vital to avoid a disastrous turn in the series.
“This was a tough matchup against an excellent team,” expressed OKC coach Mark Daigneault. “I felt we really fought hard on a night when things were not easy for us.”
Here are five insights from OKC’s comeback that has knotted the series:
Entering the fourth quarter facing a seven-point deficit, the Thunder required a hero. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was an obvious choice, but could he build on his lackluster fourth quarter performance from Game 3, where he scored only once?
He appeared fatigued a few nights prior due to the Pacers’ demanding defense. Yet, Indiana’s effort was equally intense on Friday, again making it tough for Shai, who faced relentless pressure from Andrew Nembhard, who shadowed him for the full court, disrupting his rhythm.
This time, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 15 points in the final quarter, showcasing his impact, albeit amid some contentious moments.
First: Shai seemingly avoided a foul call when he used his right arm to create space against Aaron Nesmith before making a pivotal baseline jumper that gave Oklahoma City a 104-103 advantage.
Second: He attempted eight free throws in the game’s final four minutes after only shooting twice in the first 44, benefiting from controversial calls that drew the ire of Pacers fans.
Nevertheless, he excelled in what was perhaps his most critical quarter this series, contributing a block and a steal. In the dying minutes, he hit a 3-pointer and, following a Holmgren block, scored a pivotal mid-range fadeaway that secured OKC’s lead for good.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander propelled the Thunder in Game 4, scoring 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter.
“I aimed to be aggressive,” he reflected. “I understood the implications of losing tonight. I didn’t want to leave without giving it my all, without doing everything within my power to secure a win.”
He continued: “I thrive in those moments; I cherish them, whether they’re good or bad. As a kid shooting hoops in my driveway, I’d countdown to those crucial moments. Now, I get to experience them.”
When the Thunder required an MVP-level performance, Shai delivered. He maintained his composure despite struggling to find his rhythm in the first half with only 12 points against Indiana’s tough defense. His total of 35 points halted a downward trend in scoring, having previously dropped from 38 to 34 and then to 24 in the last three games.
“For him to flip the switch like that and regain his rhythm just highlights the caliber of player he is,” Daigneault noted.
The Pacers found themselves only a few points behind with Tyrese Haliburton ready to make a play. Throughout the postseason, few scenes have been as reassuring as watching Haliburton, known for his clutch shooting in critical moments, poised to keep the offense lively.
This time, however, it didn’t go as planned. With 1:43 remaining, he misfired a 3-pointer while down two and struggled to make another attempt as the clock ran out.
Perhaps it’s unreasonable to expect Haliburton to consistently rescue the Pacers. Indiana also needed Pascal Siakam to step up, especially as Haliburton faced double-team defense; unfortunately, Siakam contributed nothing — tallying no points and committing a turnover in the fourth quarter.
Haliburton was unable to generate much offense from his teammates; he recorded no assists in the final period as the Pacers managed only one.
“I need to better maintain our pace during critical moments,” he acknowledged. “That responsibility falls on me. I’ve got to accelerate our tempo down the stretch.”
Alex Caruso’s championship experience was pivotal in the latter stages of Game 4, as he posted a robust performance with 20 points for the Thunder.
Let’s address the points of critique first: Caruso needs to refine his inbounds passing. After being intercepted by T.J. McConnell in Game 3, which galvanized Indiana, another misplaced pass nearly caused problems again with just 22 seconds left in Game 4.
Regardless, Caruso’s performance was impressive, tallying 20 points off the bench for the second time in this series, alongside five steals that more than balanced out his missteps.
“I didn’t feel I performed at my best in Game 3,” he admitted. “I wanted to ensure that my mentality and focus were sharp for the Finals. I aimed to put forth a dedicated effort to help the team emerge victorious.”
Whenever the Thunder needed a basket, Caruso stepped up, and his defensive prowess was instrumental during the fourth quarter.
“He’s a winner,” Shai lauded. “He does whatever is necessary on any given night, whether it’s sinking shots, making deflections, forcing turnovers, or gathering rebounds. He has a championship ring for a reason; it’s no coincidence. He’s an exceptional teammate and a crucial contributor. If you aim to win, you want someone like him on your squad.”
The unpredictable nature of playoff basketball means one game can starkly contrast another. Just look at Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, who went from being the series standout to faltering in crunch time.
In Game 3, he impressed with a high of 27 points in just 22 minutes off the bench. This time, he entered with only 44 seconds remaining and the Pacers down by two. His late-game contributions significantly altered the outcome — but in a negative fashion.
In those final moments, he missed three of four free throws and committed two off-ball fouls on inbounds plays, allowing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to shoot a pair of free throws.
The result: a five-point swing in just 44 seconds as Indiana fell by seven.
It wasn’t solely Mathurin who struggled down the stretch. Myles Turner seemed hesitant to shoot, choosing to pass to teammates as the shot clock wound down, leading to rushed attempts. He finished the fourth quarter with two fouls, one turnover, no blocks, and no field goals.
Both Turner and Mathurin had pivotal roles in the Game 3 victory. Yet, playoff basketball offers no guarantees; each game unfolds its own story with a fresh roster of heroes.
Charles Barkley hints at getting a tattoo if the Thunder clinch the title.
Or so it appears. Oklahoma City has regained home-court advantage and may have turned the tide after two uneven games in Indiana, managing to secure one victory.
Jalen Williams found his stride with 27 points, while Holmgren delivered a robust performance, achieving a double-double and making critical contributions defensively. Shai not only faced Indiana’s toughest defense but also thrived in the heat of the moment.
“When you’re on the road, it’s just you against the world,” Daigneault stated. “The players did an excellent job of staying engaged despite how challenging the game was. Their perseverance showcased our identity.”
The Thunder previously faced a severe test in the conference semifinals against the resilient Nuggets, pushing the Thunder to seven games, and now, this contest serves as another valuable experience for the young team.
These moments test their mettle.
“We’ve encountered difficult situations before,” Holmgren remarked. “Each time, we’ve come together. That doesn’t guarantee we will win every time we face adversity. Regardless of the outcome — good or bad, pretty or ugly — we commit to standing united.”
The challenge for Oklahoma City is that the Pacers share a similar resilience. At some point in this series, one of these tenacious squads will falter. The next two games will reveal which team that will be.
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Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email here, explore his archive here, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its franchises, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
