The Thunder responded in a must-win Game 4 in Indianapolis, edging out the Pacers 111–104 to knot the series at 2–2.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lived up to MVP billing, pouring in 35 points, including a phenomenal 15 points in the final 4:38—marking the highest scoring burst in the last 3 minutes of a Finals game in 50 years.
- Jalen Williams contributed 27 points, while Alex Caruso added 20, and Chet Holmgren chipped in 14 and 15 rebounds.
- Thunder closed strong with a 16–7 run to close out the game; their defense stood firm and SGA seized control .
- The win prevents a 3–1 hole—a scenario only one team has ever overcome in the Finals.
SGA emphasized the need to push through adversity, telling teammates to “suck it up,” a rallying cry that sparked OKC’s resurgence. Golden State vet Draymond Green also advised him to shoot fearlessly: “Shoot it 35 times”
🔍 Series Snapshot
| Game | Winner | Score | Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pacers | 111–110 | IND 1–0 |
| 2 | Thunder | 123–107 | Series tied 1–1 |
| 3 | Pacers | 116–107 | IND 2–1 |
| 4 | Thunder | 111–104 | Series tied 2–2 |
HoopPulse:
- Game 5 shifts to Oklahoma City on Monday, June 16.
- The home team holds the edge heading into the critical deciding stretch.
🌟 Key Storylines
- SGA reaffirmed MVP status, answering Indiana’s challenge with a dominant fourth quarter.
- Bench heroes: Mathurin and McConnell were game-changers in Game 3, while OKC’s role players responded in Game 4 .
- The psychological edge? Momentum continues to swing—Indiana holds the statistical upper hand, but OKC’s resilience can’t be ignored.
🔜 What’s Next
Game 5 looms massive—a 2–2 tie shifts pressure back to Oklahoma City. Expect a strategic chess match and playoff-level intensity as both sides battle for control of the Finals.
