Thunder even the NBA Finals against the Pacers with victory in Game 4

Thunder Edge Pacers in NBA Finals

INDIANAPOLIS – Shy Gilgeous-Alexander came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of his 35 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. This win tied the NBA Finals at one game apiece after the Thunder overcame a 10-point deficit.

Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 27 points, while Alex Caruso added 20. Chet Holmgren also had a strong performance, finishing with 14 points and 15 rebounds. The Thunder’s shooting was a bit unorthodox this game, managing just three 3-pointers and surprisingly, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded no assists.

For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam led the team with 20 points, supported by Tyrese Haliburton with 18 and Obi Toppin with 17.

The series resumes with Game 5 on Monday night in Oklahoma City, setting the stage as a best-of-three for the championship. The Thunder, with a 3-1 advantage in the Finals, have historically secured the title in 37 of their last 38 opportunities.

It seemed like the Pacers were ready to shake things up, leading early before the Thunder found their rhythm just in time.

Gilgeous-Alexander certainly carried the momentum, scoring nine consecutive points to help take control.

The Pacers started strong, putting up 20 points in less than five minutes. The Thunder, however, had a tendency to allow quick scores and struggled to maintain their lead, even when they went up by nine early in the game.

Things got a bit heated during the game, with Toppin receiving a Flagrant 1 foul for a questionable play on Caruso in the second quarter, only to be on the receiving end of another Flagrant 1 from Lu Dort moments before halftime. The Pacers rallied to make a 15-6 run, edging ahead 60-57.

Toppin’s impressive dunk in the third quarter extended Indiana’s lead to 86-76, marking the first double-digit lead of the series. But the Thunder responded with a crucial 13-3 run that brought the game back to a tie at 89.

Both teams exchanged leads, tying at 91, 95, and 97. Finally, a step-back shot from Gilgeous-Alexander put the Thunder ahead 104-103 with just 2:23 left in the game, and they held onto that advantage to secure the win.