Game 4 Highlights: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Victory Over Pacers – 5 Key Takeaways!

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers had the Oklahoma City Thunder on their heels during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, but a stunning shift turned the tide. Despite holding a solid lead for most of the game, the Pacers fell short as the Thunder surged back to win 111-104, leveling the series at 2-2.

After trailing for much of the contest, Oklahoma City stormed back in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Pacers 31-17. This comeback showcased the resilience that defined their season, highlighting their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 15 points in the closing moments.

“This was an uphill game against a great team,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “I thought we gutted it out on a night where we didn’t have a lot going.”

Here are some key takeaways from this thrilling game:

1. Shai Shines Under Pressure

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander found himself in a challenging spot, starting the fourth quarter down by seven. This time, he rose to the occasion, finishing with 15 points in the final quarter after struggling in previous games. Coach Daigneault praised his ability to bounce back and regain rhythm.

“For him to be able to flip the switch like that shows how great of a player he is,” Daigneault noted.

2. Tyrese Haliburton’s Tough Night

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton had been a hero throughout the postseason, but in this game, he couldn’t seal the deal. With Indiana down by two points and less than two minutes left, he air-balled a crucial three-pointer and failed to make an impact thereafter. Haliburton acknowledged the need for better pacing in crucial moments.

“That’s on me. I’ve got to get us playing faster down the stretch,” he reflected.

3. Caruso’s Influence

Alex Caruso played a pivotal role, contributing 20 points and five steals off the bench. Though he had a few turnovers, his performance energized the team. After a less-than-stellar Game 3, Caruso focused on making impactful plays.

Shai emphasized his value: “He’s a winner. He does whatever it takes to help us win.”

4. Mathurin’s Letdown

Bennedict Mathurin, who dazzled in Game 3 with 27 points, struggled when it mattered most. He missed three out of four free throws in the closing moments, contributing to Indiana’s downfall. This serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of playoff performance.

5. Thunder Gaining Momentum

With the series tied, the Thunder regained home-court advantage. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also delivered strong performances, showcasing their depth and resilience.

“When you’re on the road, it’s just you,” Daigneault observed. “That showed who we are.”

Both teams are learning valuable lessons from this fierce series. As they prepare for the next games, it’s evident that experience is crucial in high-pressure moments. The potential for either team to dominate or falter adds excitement as the finals progress.

The next few games will be pivotal in determining which team can solidify their claim to the championship. Stay tuned for more action!

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Thunder-Pacers Game 4