Thunder Grind Out Win to Tie NBA Finals Series

It wasn't pretty, but the Oklahoma City Thunder got the job done.

On Friday night, the Thunder overcame poor three-point shooting and an aggressive Indiana Pacers defense to secure a 111-104 victory in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who struggled for much of the game, led a fourth-quarter rally to seal the win.

With the victory, the Thunder tied the series 2-2 and reclaimed home-court advantage, which they had lost after dropping Game 1 in Oklahoma City. The series now shifts back to OKC for Game 5.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Takes Over Late

The Pacers appeared in control, leading 87-80 heading into the fourth quarter against a Thunder team that had struggled offensively for most of the night. But Oklahoma City stayed close enough for its MVP to take over down the stretch.

Though Indiana limited Gilgeous-Alexander as a playmaker and kept him off the free-throw line for much of the game, he proved why he’s the league’s MVP in the final period. He scored nine straight Thunder points and gave them their first lead of the second half (104-103) with a contested baseline jumper at the 2:23 mark.

From there, the Thunder never trailed again. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a game-high 35 points (15 in the fourth quarter), three rebounds, and three steals on 12-of-24 shooting, including a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line.

For the first time in five years, he failed to record an assist on a night when the Thunder managed just 11 assists on 37 made field goals. Still, he made up for his lack of playmaking by taking over late, silencing a raucous Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd that had hoped to celebrate a 3-1 series lead.

"We played with desperation to close the game, and that’s why we won," Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN.

Rough Night for Bennedict Mathurin

After his 27-point breakout in Game 3, Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin had a disastrous fourth quarter. In the final minute, he missed three free throws and committed two away-from-play fouls—each resulting in a free throw and possession for the Thunder. Those mistakes, combined with Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics, sealed Indiana’s fate.

Thunder Overcome Cold Shooting

Beyond their stagnant ball movement, the Thunder had one of their worst three-point shooting nights of the season, finishing just 3-of-16 (18.8%). However, one of those threes proved critical—Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch shot to cut Indiana’s lead to 103-102 with under three minutes left.

They compensated with 47.4% shooting from the field, a 43-33 rebounding edge (including 12 offensive boards), and a stellar 34-of-38 (89.5%) performance at the free-throw line. The Pacers, meanwhile, went just 25-of-33 (75.8%) from the stripe at home.

Caruso, Williams Step Up

Alex Caruso delivered a crucial bench performance with 20 points, five steals, and 7-of-9 shooting. Jalen Williams led the starters with 27 points and seven rebounds, while Chet Holmgren dominated inside with 14 points and 15 boards.

Pacers Let Opportunity Slip Away

Five Pacers scored in double figures, led by Pascal Siakam’s 20 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. Tyrese Haliburton added 18 points and seven assists but committed five turnovers.

Instead of taking a commanding 3-1 lead, Indiana now heads back to Oklahoma City with the series tied and the Thunder holding home-court advantage. The fourth-quarter collapse could prove costly in their championship pursuit.