Thunder vs. Pacers score: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads late OKC rally to stun Pacers, tie NBA Finals at 2-2

The NBA Finals are heating up, and the excitement reached a fever pitch in Game 4 as the Oklahoma City Thunder executed a stunning late-game rally to defeat the Indiana Pacers 111-104. This crucial win not only tied the series at 2-2 but also allowed the Thunder to regain home-court advantage after losing Game 1. The series now shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, where fans anticipate another thrilling matchup.

One of the standout moments of the game came from Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Although he had a rocky start, his immense talent shone through in the fourth quarter when he spearheaded the Thunder’s comeback. The Pacers entered the fourth quarter with an 87-80 lead, seemingly in control. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game heroics proved pivotal.

The Pacers had effectively limited Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking abilities, keeping him off the free-throw line for most of the night. Yet, like a true MVP, he took charge when it mattered most, scoring nine consecutive points and giving the Thunder their first lead of the second half with a contested jumper that put them ahead 104-103 with just over two minutes remaining. From that point onward, the Thunder never looked back, ultimately sealing the victory.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with an impressive stat line, scoring a game-high 35 points coupled with three rebounds and three steals. His shooting performance included 12 out of 24 from the floor, and he was flawless from the line, hitting all ten of his attempts, including eight in the critical fourth quarter alone. Notably, he completed the game without recording an assist—a testament to how the Thunder struggled to move the ball, finishing with just ten assists on 37 made field goals.

As pivotal as Gilgeous-Alexander was, the game also showcased a difficult stretch for Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin. After being the hero in Game 3 with 27 points off the bench, Mathurin faced a challenging fourth quarter this time around. He missed three free throws during critical moments and committed two costly away-from-play fouls that hurt the Pacers’ chances. These missteps became even more glaring as the Thunder mounted their comeback, underscoring the fine margins that can determine the outcome of such high-stakes games.

To add to the drama, Gilgeous-Alexander finally found his rhythm at the free-throw line after an unusual start to the game, not attempting any free throws until the midway point of the third quarter. With time running out, he capitalized on his opportunities at the stripe, effectively drawing fouls and methodically bringing his team closer to sealing the win.

While the Thunder secured a much-needed victory, their performance from beyond the arc left much to be desired. At half-time, they were a dismal 1-of-10 from three-point territory. By the end of the game, they had improved slightly but still managed only 3-of-17 from deep. Despite this, they made significant contributions in other areas. The Thunder maintained a solid shooting percentage of 47.4% overall and dominated the boards to a tune of 43-33.

The shining performances didn’t just come from Gilgeous-Alexander. Alex Caruso played a vital role off the bench, contributing 20 points, three rebounds, and five steals, highlighting his importance with timely defensive plays that shifted momentum in favor of Oklahoma City. Jalen Williams was also instrumental, leading the starting unit with 27 points and connecting when it counted the most. On the defensive rebounds, Chet Holmgren added to the Thunder’s success, pulling down 15 rebounds and scoring 14 points.

For the Pacers, the evening ended in heartache as they fell short despite having a well-rounded effort, evident by their five players scoring in double figures. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 20 points, demonstrating his all-around game with eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Obi Toppin stepped up as a productive bench scorer, particularly in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Thunder’s late-game surge.

As the Pacers look to regroup and adjust, they must contend with the reality of heading back to Oklahoma City with the series equalized. The opportunities lost in the fourth quarter could echo as a painful reminder of what might have been as they continue their quest for the NBA championship.

This thrilling Game 4 certainly sets the stage for a high-stakes Game 5, where both teams will be seeking to claim a definitive edge in this closely contested Finals series. With a tie series and home-court advantage swinging back to the Thunder, fans can expect an intense showdown as the battle for NBA supremacy continues.

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