Thrilling Fourth-Quarter Rally: Thunder Flip Script Against Comeback-King Pacers to Tie NBA Finals

INDIANAPOLIS — In a surprising turn of events, the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a comeback against the Indiana Pacers, tying the 2025 NBA Finals at two games each. The Thunder overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half to secure a 111-104 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 35 points, while Jalen Williams contributed 27 points to the win.

The Pacers, known for their late-game heroics, faced an unusual struggle. They have achieved incredible comebacks in these playoffs, with a record number of 15-point comebacks and seven-point comebacks with less than a minute remaining. However, in Game 4, they went cold in the fourth quarter. After holding a solid lead, they failed to score for nearly three minutes until the last moments of the game.

The Thunder, once seen as the heavy favorites to win, rebounded. Coach Mark Daigneault praised the team’s grit, noting, “We just gutted it out on a night where we didn’t really have a lot going.” Oklahoma City managed to take advantage of their free throws, shooting 34 out of 38, despite committing more turnovers than assists.

Indiana’s chance of making history as the lowest-seeded team to win the NBA Finals took a hit. The Pacers, who had a strong start, struggled significantly in the fourth quarter. They shot just 5 of 18 and missed all their three-point attempts during that crucial period. Pascal Siakam, who scored 20 points, disappeared when it mattered most, failing to score in the final quarter.

Interestingly, Oklahoma City’s performance was all the more impressive given their poor shooting from beyond the arc. The Thunder made only 3 of 17 three-pointers but fought through their struggles, showcasing resilience and teamwork.

Looking back at previous Finals, this kind of dramatic shift isn’t new. Historically, teams often face uphill battles in tight series. For instance, in the 2016 Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors, emphasizing just how quickly fortunes can change in basketball.

Fan reactions on social media were buzzing after the game. Many praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to perform under pressure while expressing disappointment in the Pacers’ unexpected decline in the final moments.

As both teams prepare for Game 5 in Oklahoma City, the Thunder aim to harness their momentum, while the Pacers will need to regroup to regain control of the series. Indiana’s coach Rick Carlisle highlighted the importance of bouncing back: “This is a big disappointment, but there are three games left.” In contrast, the Thunder are determined to take advantage of their home-court benefit.

The next game promises to be a true battle as both teams fight for a pivotal edge in this tightly contested series. As the Finals unfold, fans can expect more exhilarating moments and intense competition.

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Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA