Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals Game 4: Updates, Highlights & Expert Analysis
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers face off in a pivotal Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals. With the Pacers leading the series 2-1, this matchup could either give Indiana a commanding lead or see Oklahoma City even things up. We’re bringing you real-time updates, expert analysis, and all the key moments as they happen in this crucial battle between two of the NBA’s most exciting young teams. Never Miss a Game-Changing Moment Get expert NBA analysis, exclusive interviews, and in-depth coverage delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to NBA Insider Pre-Game Analysis: Setting the Stage Thunder and Pacers players warm up before the crucial Game 4 matchup After Indiana’s impressive 116-107 victory in Game 3, the pressure is on Oklahoma City to respond. The Thunder’s MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with Indiana’s defensive pressure last game, committing six turnovers while being held to 24 points – below his playoff average of 30.1. Thunder Starting Lineup Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Jalen Williams Chet Holmgren Isaiah Hartenstein Lu Dort Key Change: Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has returned to his double-big lineup, inserting Isaiah Hartenstein back into the starting five in place of guard Cason Wallace. This adjustment comes after Indiana dominated the paint with 50 points in Game 3. Pacers Starting Lineup Tyrese Haliburton Andrew Nembhard Aaron Nesmith Pascal Siakam Myles Turner Injury Update: Pacers center Myles Turner was feeling under the weather in Game 3 but is ready to go tonight. Backup forward Jarace Walker remains sidelined with a sprained right ankle. Game Result Leading Scorer Key Stat Game 1 Pacers 111, Thunder 110 Haliburton (29 pts) Pacers: 14-32 3PT Game 2 Thunder 123, Pacers 107 SGA (32 pts) Thunder: 28 fast break pts Game 3 Pacers 116, Thunder 107 Siakam (25 pts) Pacers: 50 paint pts “We know they are going to pressure again. They’ve been pretty consistent with that. We think we have some solutions, but we got to go do it. We’ve got to have the will to have more force than they have pressure and physicality in the perimeter.” — Thunder coach Mark Daigneault on adjusting to Indiana’s defense 8.5 Game Excitement Factor Star Power 9.0 Series Intensity 9.5 Matchup History 7.0 First Quarter: Pacers Set the Tone Pascal Siakam drives to the basket against Thunder defenders Q1 12:00 – Opening Tip The Pacers control the opening tip, and we’re underway in Game 4! Indiana immediately shows their aggressive defensive strategy, pressuring SGA full court. Q1 9:23 – Pacers Hot Start Indiana has come out firing, hitting 4 of their first 5 shots including 3 three-pointers. The Pacers’ ball movement is creating open looks, and they’ve jumped out to an early 20-12 lead, forcing an Oklahoma City timeout. Player Spotlight: Pascal Siakam Siakam has set the tone early with 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting and 4 steals in the first quarter. His defensive energy is disrupting Oklahoma City’s offensive flow. Points: 10 Rebounds: 2 Steals: 4 FG: 3-5 View Full Stats Dashboard Q1 5:42 – Thunder Respond After falling behind by 9 points early, Oklahoma City responds with a quick 9-0 run to tie the game. Jalen Williams is leading the charge for the Thunder, attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line. Key Moment: Flagrant Foul Controversy Obi Toppin is called for a flagrant 1 foul on Alex Caruso during a breakaway layup attempt. Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein confronts Toppin, resulting in double technical fouls. The sequence energizes the Thunder bench. End of Q1: Pacers 35, Thunder 34 A high-scoring, back-and-forth first quarter ends with Indiana holding a slim one-point lead. Jalen Williams leads all Thunder players with 12 points, while Pascal Siakam has 10 points and 4 steals for the Pacers. Both teams are shooting well, with Indiana hitting 55% from the field. Thunder Q1 Leaders Jalen Williams: 12 pts, 6-6 FT SGA: 4 pts, 2-5 FG Points in paint: 16 Pacers Q1 Leaders Pascal Siakam: 10 pts, 4 stl Team: 4-8 3PT (50%) All 5 starters scored Second Quarter: Trading Blows Tyrese Haliburton launches a three-pointer over Thunder defense Q2 8:45 – Bench Battle Both teams are getting solid contributions from their reserves early in the second quarter. Alex Caruso has provided a spark for Oklahoma City with 7 quick points, while Obi Toppin continues his strong Finals play with 5 points for Indiana. Q2 6:12 – Pivotal Play: Double Flagrant The physical play continues as Lu Dort is called for a flagrant 1 foul on Obi Toppin during a layup attempt. This comes just minutes after Toppin was called for a flagrant on Caruso. The intensity is ramping up as both teams recognize the importance of this game. Tensions rise after Lu Dort’s flagrant foul on Obi Toppin Q2 1:07 – Haliburton Breaks Through After being held scoreless for over 20 minutes, Tyrese Haliburton finally gets on the board again with a crucial basket. Even more significant, with 28.3 seconds left in the half, Haliburton attempts his first free throw of the entire series. Stat Alert: Historic Free Throw Drought Tyrese Haliburton’s first free throw attempt comes in the 14th quarter of the NBA Finals. This unusual stat highlights the Thunder’s defensive discipline against Indiana’s star guard through the first three games. Halftime: Pacers 60, Thunder 57 Indiana takes a three-point lead into halftime in this tightly contested Game 4. The Pacers’ ball movement has been exceptional, generating 15 assists on 21 made field goals. Meanwhile, the Thunder are struggling from beyond the arc, hitting just 1-of-10 from three-point range. Thunder Halftime Stats Jalen Williams: 16 pts SGA: 12 pts, 0 ast Team: 1-10 3PT (10%) Pacers Halftime Stats Pascal Siakam: 14 pts Tyrese Haliburton: 8 pts, 5 ast Team: 7-19 3PT (36.8%) Enhance Your NBA Finals Experience Access exclusive halftime analysis, player interviews, and expert breakdowns not available anywhere else. Join Premium Coverage Third Quarter: Pacers Pull Ahead Obi Toppin celebrates after hitting a crucial three-pointer Q3 8:32 – Pacers’ Ball Movement Shines A beautiful sequence
2025 NBA Finals Thunder vs Pacers Game 2 Analysis: Thunder Even Series With Dominant Performance
The Oklahoma City Thunder responded to their Game 1 heartbreak with a statement performance in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, dominating the Indiana Pacers 123-107 to even the series at 1-1. Unlike the series opener where the Pacers staged a miraculous comeback, Sunday night’s contest saw the Thunder maintain control from start to finish, showcasing why they were the NBA’s best regular-season team with 68 wins. Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34-point masterclass and crucial contributions from role players, OKC left no room for another Pacers miracle. Let’s break down how the Thunder flipped the script and what it means for the remainder of this championship series. SGA Continues Historic Finals Debut Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his historic NBA Finals debut with another stellar performance, pouring in 34 points while adding eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals. His command of the game was evident from the opening tip, as he systematically picked apart Indiana’s defense with his signature mid-range game and crafty finishes at the rim. With his first basket at 8:24 of the first quarter, SGA surpassed 3,000 points for the season (including regular season and playoffs), joining an elite club that includes Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kobe Bryant. Through two Finals games, he’s averaging 36.0 points – the most ever by a player in his first two NBA Finals games, edging Allen Iverson’s 71 points in 2001. “You have to stay focused on the task at hand,” Gilgeous-Alexander said post-game, sporting a John Lennon T-shirt under an Oxford collar. “Even tonight we had some moments of slippage… We just strung it together more often tonight.” Thunder’s Supporting Cast Steps Up After a disappointing Game 1 where Gilgeous-Alexander lacked adequate support, the Thunder’s role players answered the call in Game 2. Alex Caruso scored 20 points off the bench, while Aaron Wiggins provided a surprising spark with 18 points, including five three-pointers. Chet Holmgren bounced back from his Game 1 struggles (6 points on 2-of-9 shooting) to contribute 15 points and six rebounds. Similarly, Jalen Williams recovered from his poor shooting night to add 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists. “With more threats on the floor, it took the pressure off Gilgeous-Alexander to be the sole shot creator in half-court situations, which opened the floodgates for everyone else,” noted Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “There was a lot of things we were just a little better in, more comfortable, and that’s at both ends of the floor.” Perhaps most telling was Kenrich Williams’ impact – in just 7:37 of playing time, the Thunder outscored the Pacers by 15 points during his minutes, despite Williams not scoring a single point. Defensive Adjustments Stifle Pacers The Thunder’s defense, ranked best in both the regular season and playoffs, showed its true form in Game 2. OKC held Indiana to just 34 points in the paint (well below their playoff average of 44) and forced 15 turnovers that led to easy transition opportunities. Lu Dort’s defensive masterclass on Tyrese Haliburton was particularly noteworthy. Haliburton, Indiana’s star guard who hit the game-winner in Game 1, was limited to just five points on 2-of-7 shooting through the first three quarters. He finished with 17 points, but most came in garbage time when the outcome was already decided. “Indiana is kind of an acquired taste,” Daigneault explained. “The Thunder, the NBA’s best defense in the regular and postseasons, simply didn’t give the Pacers any room to breathe life into another upset.” Never Miss a Finals Moment Get expert NBA analysis delivered straight to your inbox. Our team breaks down the X’s and O’s, player performances, and strategic adjustments you won’t find anywhere else. Subscribe to NBA Insider Pacers’ Stars Need to Step Up While the Thunder’s complementary pieces shined, Indiana’s stars faltered. Pascal Siakam, who was instrumental in the Eastern Conference Finals, shot just 3-of-11 from the field, finishing with 15 points despite getting to the free-throw line nine times. Tyrese Haliburton’s late-game heroics from Game 1 couldn’t be replicated, as he was largely neutralized by OKC’s defensive scheme. He managed just three points in the first half and was visibly limping in his postgame press conference, raising concerns about his health moving forward. “This version of the duo simply wasn’t, and frankly won’t be, enough to beat this version of the Thunder playing at this level,” noted Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “It’s on Siakam and Haliburton to set the tone as soon as the ball tips, which neither player successfully did in Game 2.” The supporting cast around Haliburton and Siakam carried much of the weight in Game 2. Aaron Nesmith, Myles Turner, and Andrew Nembhard combined for 41 points, while Bennedict Mathurin added 14 points off the bench. No Comeback Magic This Time Unlike Game 1, where the Pacers erased a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to steal the win, Game 2 offered no such drama. The Thunder built a lead that reached 23 points in the second quarter and maintained a double-digit advantage throughout most of the contest. Indiana trailed by six after one quarter, by 18 at halftime, and by 19 through three quarters. When Haliburton finally found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, it was too little, too late – the Thunder simply traded baskets with him, never allowing the lead to dip below 15 points. “For a Pacers team that’s staged five comebacks of at least 15 points this postseason, they couldn’t do it again,” observed Carlisle. “Sometimes you have to make tough decisions. That was an easy one,” he added, referring to his choice to pull Haliburton in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. Series Implications and Game 3 Preview With the series tied 1-1, the action shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Wednesday night. This marks the first time in these playoffs that the Pacers haven’t held a 2-0 series lead, but they’ve accomplished their primary goal of stealing home-court advantage. “I think any time you’re the lower seed
Pacers Thunder Game 1 Comeback Haliburton: The Shot That Stunned Oklahoma City
The Indiana Pacers pulled off yet another playoff miracle Thursday night, with Tyrese Haliburton delivering a game-winning jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining to cap an incredible 15-point fourth-quarter comeback against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The 111-110 victory continued Indiana’s remarkable pattern of late-game heroics this postseason, giving them a 1-0 series lead and stealing home-court advantage from the heavily favored Thunder. Another Improbable Pacers Thunder Game 1 Comeback For nearly 48 minutes, the Thunder appeared in complete control of Game 1. Oklahoma City’s suffocating defense forced 25 Pacers turnovers, including 19 in the first half alone. The Thunder built a lead that stretched to 15 points with just under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. But these Pacers have made a habit of defying the odds. Indiana trailed by nine with 2:52 left before mounting a stunning 12-2 run to close the game. The comeback culminated with Haliburton’s pull-up jumper that gave Indiana its first and only lead of the entire night. “Look, it was just hit the reset button, let’s go whistle to whistle in the third quarter and try to chip away at it and try to hang in,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle explained after the game. “This is going to be a long journey and a lot going on, so we’re just going to have to keep our eye on the ball and keep focusing on one another.” Haliburton’s Heroics Seal the Deal Despite a relatively quiet night before his final shot, Haliburton finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. His game-winner came after Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed a pull-up jumper that would have extended Oklahoma City’s lead to three points. “HOW. MANY. MORE. TIMES. Can this team do that?” exclaimed Pacers radio voice Mark Boyle on his call of Haliburton’s game-winner. Mark Boyle, Pacers Radio Announcer The clutch shot adds to Haliburton’s growing collection of playoff heroics this season: In Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, Haliburton drove for a last-second layup in overtime after the Pacers trailed by 7 with 40 seconds left. His 3-pointer with 1 second remaining gave Indiana a 120-119 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the second round after trailing by 7 with 57 seconds to go. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks, his high-bouncing basket at the regulation buzzer sent the game to overtime after the Pacers trailed by 9 with 58 seconds left. Balanced Attack Overcomes Thunder’s Defense While Haliburton hit the decisive shot, the Pacers relied on a balanced offensive attack to stay within striking distance. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 19 points, while all five starters and six players overall scored in double figures. The Pacers’ 3-point shooting played a crucial role in their comeback, as they finished 18-of-39 from deep (46.2%). Reserve forward Obi Toppin was particularly effective, draining five 3-pointers off the bench to help swing momentum in Indiana’s favor. Pacers’ Key Contributors Pascal Siakam: 19 points Tyrese Haliburton: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists Obi Toppin: 15 points (5-8 from 3-point range) Andrew Nembhard: Key defensive stops on SGA Thunder’s Standout Performers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 38 points (14-30 FG) Lu Dort: 15 points, strong defensive presence Alex Caruso: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals off bench Thunder’s Missed Opportunity Despite forcing 25 turnovers, Oklahoma City couldn’t fully capitalize on Indiana’s mistakes, scoring only 11 points off those takeaways. The Thunder attempted 16 more field goals than the Pacers but converted on only 39.8% of their 98 shots. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38-point performance was impressive but required 30 shot attempts. His missed jumper in the final seconds opened the door for Haliburton’s heroics. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault’s decision to go with a smaller lineup down the stretch may have contributed to Indiana’s ability to control the glass. The Pacers outrebounded the Thunder 56-39, a significant factor in overcoming their turnover disadvantage. Coaching Chess Match The game featured an interesting strategic battle between Thunder coach Mark Daigneault and Pacers veteran coach Rick Carlisle. Daigneault’s decision to start guard Cason Wallace over center Isaiah Hartenstein represented a shift to a smaller, more agile lineup against the fast-paced Pacers. However, this move may have backfired in the closing minutes. Wallace was a team-worst -13 in 33 minutes and was defending Haliburton on the game-winning shot. Additionally, Daigneault’s decision to pull Chet Holmgren in the final minutes left the Thunder vulnerable on the boards. Carlisle, meanwhile, showed why he’s considered one of the NBA’s elite tacticians, making key adjustments that allowed his team to chip away at the Thunder’s lead and ultimately complete the comeback. Historical Context of the Comeback The Pacers’ Game 1 victory continues their unprecedented run of comebacks this postseason. They have now come back to win four games in which they trailed by 17 or more points in these playoffs — the most in a single playoffs in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98). Since 1996-97, there have been four playoff games in which a team rallied to win after trailing by seven or more points in the final 0:50 of the 4th quarter or OT. The Pacers have three of those four wins in this playoff run alone, one in each round. This was the first NBA Finals Game 1 in history to be decided by just one point, making the Pacers Thunder Game 1 comeback even more remarkable. Fan Reaction The stunning comeback left Thunder fans in Paycom Center stunned into silence, while Pacers fans watching back in Indianapolis erupted in celebration. Social media immediately lit up with reactions to Haliburton’s clutch shot and the Pacers’ improbable victory. The dramatic finish further cemented this Pacers team’s reputation as the “comeback kings” of the NBA playoffs and turned what many expected to be a Thunder coronation into a potentially competitive series. Looking Ahead to Game 2 The series continues with Game 2 on Sunday night in Oklahoma City. The Thunder
Epic NBA Finals Battle: Indiana Pacers Face Off Against Oklahoma City Thunder (2025)
When it comes to sports, few moments capture the imagination like a championship showdown. The 2025 NBA Finals promise to be one for the ages, pitting two teams with wildly different strengths against each other. On one side, you have a high-octane offense that’s been lighting up the scoreboard. On the other, a defense that’s been shutting down opponents all season. This matchup feels like destiny. One team fought their way through the eastern conference finals, led by a breakout star who’s been unstoppable. The other dominated the regular season, setting records with their suffocating defense. It’s the ultimate clash of styles, and we’re here for it. What makes this series even more intriguing is the legacy on the line. For one player, this could be the crowning achievement of an MVP season. For the other team, it’s a chance to prove they belong among the greats. Let’s dive into what makes this showdown so special. Key Takeaways Introduction: A Clash of Titans in the 2025 NBA Finals The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown in the 2025 championship series. One team has been a defensive juggernaut, while the other relies on a high-powered offense to dominate the court. This matchup is a true test of contrasting styles. On one side, we have a team that swept their way through the early rounds, including a dominant performance against the Nuggets and a commanding win over the Wolves. Their star player averaged an impressive 31.2 points per game, proving to be the driving force behind their success. On the other side, a team that surprised everyone with their resilience and sharpshooting. They took down the Celtics’ elite defense and outgunned the Knicks with a staggering 39% team three-point shooting. Their journey to the finals has been nothing short of remarkable. Coaching philosophies also play a huge role in this series. One coach is known for his motion offense, creating open looks and keeping defenses guessing. The other relies on a switch-heavy defensive scheme that has stifled opponents all season. Home court advantage could be a deciding factor. One team boasts an average home playoff win margin of 27.9 points, while the other has an impressive 8-2 record on their home floor. The stakes couldn’t be higher—one team is chasing their first title since 1979, while the other is making their first-ever finals appearance. This series is more than just a battle for the championship. It’s a clash of legacies, strategies, and sheer determination. Who will rise to the occasion and etch their name in history? NBA Finals – Indiana Pacers against Oklahoma Thunder: Key Matchups The 2025 championship series is shaping up to be a battle of skill and strategy. One of the most exciting aspects of this showdown is the individual matchups that could decide the outcome. Let’s dive into two key battles that will define this series. Tyrese Haliburton vs. OKC’s Elite Defense Tyrese Haliburton has been the engine driving his team’s success this postseason. His ability to create plays and score efficiently has been unmatched. However, he’ll face his toughest test yet against a defense that’s been shutting down opponents all season. OKC’s defensive scheme is built on versatility and discipline. They excel at switching and closing out on shooters, which could limit Haliburton’s impact. How he adapts to this challenge will be crucial for his team’s chances. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Scoring Prowess On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a scoring machine. Averaging 32.7 points in the regular season and 31.2 points in the playoffs, he’s a constant threat on the court. His ability to draw fouls—averaging 9.2 free-throw attempts per game—adds another layer to his game. His matchup against a physical defender like Aaron Nesmith, who averages 4 personal fouls per game, will be fascinating to watch. Can Nesmith contain SGA without getting into foul trouble? Or will SGA’s foul-drawing artistry prove too much to handle? Stat Regular Season Playoffs Points Per Game 32.7 31.2 Free-Throw Attempts 9.2 8.8 Field Goal % 52% 51% Another factor to consider is how OKC uses decoy actions to free SGA from double teams. This strategy has been effective all season, and it’s likely to play a big role in this series. If SGA can maintain his efficiency, he could dominate the scoring charts once again. Comparisons to Jalen Brunson’s performance against this defense are inevitable. Brunson averaged 33.8 points in their previous matchup, and it’ll be interesting to see if SGA can replicate that success. Team Strategies and Trends Shaping the Series This championship series is more than just a game—it’s a chess match of strategies. Both teams bring unique strengths to the table, and how they adapt could decide the outcome. Let’s break down the key trends that will shape this showdown. Three-Point Shooting vs. Perimeter Defense One team’s success hinges on their ability to shoot from beyond the arc. They’ve been lights-out this postseason, ranking third in playoff scoring with 38.4 PPG from their bench. Their sharpshooters create spacing and force defenses to stretch thin. On the flip side, the opposing team’s perimeter defense has been a brick wall. They’ve held opponents to a league-low 33% three-point shooting in the playoffs. Their ability to close out on shooters and disrupt rhythm will be critical. Depth and Rotation: A Battle of Bench Strength When it comes to depth, one team has a clear edge. Their bench boasts a +12.3 net rating, making them a force in the fourth quarter. With an 11-man rotation, they can keep fresh legs on the court and wear down their opponents. The other team relies on a tighter 8-man lineup. While their starters carry the load, their reserves like Mathurin and Toppin have stepped up in key moments. However, matching the opposing team’s rotation depth could be a challenge. In the end, the team that maximizes their strengths and exploits their opponent’s weaknesses will have the upper hand. Whether it’s shooting, defense, or bench production, every detail matters in this high-stakes