Thunder Pull Off Dramatic Comeback to Level NBA Finals Against Pacers

The Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their resilience in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, defeating the Indiana Pacers 111-104 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This victory allowed the Thunder to tie the series at two games each, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the championship clash.

Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Charge

In a game defined by late-game heroics, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as the standout performer. He notched an impressive 35 points, including 15 in the decisive fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander’s nine consecutive points in the closing moments ensured that the Thunder clinched a thrilling come-from-behind victory.

A Fast Start for the Pacers

The clash started with the Pacers coming out strong, racking up 20 points in just under five minutes. This early burst marked only the second time this season that the Thunder had surrendered so many points in such a short timeframe. Indiana built a lead as large as nine points, but the Thunder remained within striking distance.

A Chippy Encounter

As the game progressed, tensions flared for the first time in the series. Midway through the second quarter, Obi Toppin received a Flagrant 1 foul for a hard hit on Alex Caruso. The physicality continued when Lu Dort returned the favor, delivering a Flagrant 1 against Toppin just before halftime. Despite the altercations, the Pacers capitalized, closing the half with a 15-6 run that gave them a 60-57 lead at the break.

Thunder’s Resilience Shows

Coming out of halftime, the Pacers maintained their momentum. Toppin’s electrifying baseline dunk in the third quarter pushed Indiana ahead 86-76, marking their first double-digit lead of the series. However, the Thunder’s response was swift and coordinated. They unleashed a 13-3 run that tied the game at 89 early in the fourth quarter, sparking excitement in the arena.

Crucial Moments in the Final Quarter

As the game progressed, the lead shifted hands frequently. The Thunder and Pacers battled fiercely, with the score knotted at 91, 95, and 97 as the clock wound down. In a critical moment, Gilgeous-Alexander hit a step-back jumper with just 2:23 remaining, propelling the Thunder into a 104-103 lead—marking their first advantage of the second half.

Contributions from Key Players

In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance, Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 27 points, while Alex Caruso scored 20. Chet Holmgren rounded out the Thunder’s strong performance with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Despite this success, it’s noteworthy that the Thunder struggled from beyond the arc, making a season-low three 3-pointers and registering no assists from their MVP for the first time all season.

Pacer Stats and Performance

The Pacers saw strong performances as well, with Pascal Siakam leading the team with 20 points. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 18 points and Obi Toppin added 17. Their efforts, however, fell short as the Thunder’s late-game execution proved decisive.

Looking Ahead to Game 5

With this hard-fought victory, the Thunder have now reclaimed home-court advantage heading into Game 5. Scheduled for Monday night in Oklahoma City, both teams will battle not only for the win but to gain momentum in this tightly contested series.

Anticipation Builds for the Next Game

As the NBA Finals continue, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this series. The Thunder’s ability to adjust and fight back from adversity makes them formidable opponents. Meanwhile, the Pacers will look to rebound and regain control of the series. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the excitement of the Finals intensifies.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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