NBA Finals: Thunder rally past Pacers to tie Series 2-2 after Gilgeous-Alexander’s fourth-quarter heroics

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a clutch performance, scoring 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dramatic 111-104 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, leveling the series at 2-2 on Friday night.

The Thunder — chasing their first NBA title since relocating to OKC in 2008 — clawed back from a double-digit second-half deficit to stun the Pacers on their home floor, closing the game on a 12-1 run powered by MVP-level plays from Gilgeous-Alexander.

“It’s a dog fight,” said Gilgeous-Alexander postgame. “Every time you step on the floor, on both ends, they make you work. We knew 3-1 is a lot different than 2-2 going back home.”

MVP shines when it matters most

Despite being bottled up for most of the night by Indiana’s tough defense, Gilgeous-Alexander erupted in the fourth quarter, drilling a clutch three-pointer and a pull-up jumper to give the Thunder the lead with just over two minutes remaining.

Related News: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins 2025 NBA MVP Award, beating Jokic and Giannis

He then calmly sank six free throws in the final 44 seconds to seal the win, finishing with 35 points, 5 assists, and key defensive stops.

Key Contributors

• Jalen Williams: 27 points, aggressive throughout, especially in the third quarter.
• Chet Holmgren: 14 points, 15 rebounds, anchoring the defense in the paint.
• Alex Caruso: 20 points off the bench, bringing grit and hustle.

For Indiana:

• Pascal Siakam: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals in an all-around effort.
• Tyrese Haliburton: 18 points, including a spectacular three-point play late in the second quarter.
• Obi Toppin: 17 points off the bench, including a powerful dunk to give Indiana its largest lead.

Fourth-Quarter Collapse for Pacers

Indiana held a 10-point lead late in the third quarter, but failed to close the door. OKC’s defense tightened, holding the Pacers to just 1 point in the final two minutes. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the letdown:

“You’re up seven at home — you’ve got to dig in and find a way. We were not able to do it tonight.”

The game was full of hard fouls and flare-ups:

• Toppin was called for a flagrant foul after knocking down Caruso.
• Isaiah Hartenstein and Toppin exchanged words and were both given technicals.
• Luguentz Dort later received a flagrant for a high-arm swipe on Toppin.

Despite the physicality, the Thunder stayed composed and executed down the stretch.

What’s Next: Game 5 Back in Oklahoma City

With the series now tied at 2-2, the pivotal Game 5 tips off Monday night in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will look to maintain momentum and edge closer to a historic championship.

“We’ve got to maintain the same desperation,” said Gilgeous-Alexander.

Fast Facts:

• Thunder’s 2025 Playoff Record: Haven’t lost consecutive games this postseason.
• Finals History: OKC last won a championship in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.
• Pacers’ Quest: Still hunting for their first-ever NBA title.

SportsLigue