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.
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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.”
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
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%)
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Third Quarter: Pacers Pull Ahead
Obi Toppin celebrates after hitting a crucial three-pointer
Q3 8:32 – Pacers’ Ball Movement Shines
A beautiful sequence from the Pacers demonstrates their offensive philosophy. Pascal Siakam initiates the offense, and after five quick passes that keep the Thunder defense rotating, Obi Toppin buries an open wing three-pointer.
“This is the Pacers at the peak of their powers, using their ball movement to break down the Thunder. When they play this way, they’re incredibly difficult to defend.”
Q3 7:14 – Toppin Takeover
On the very next possession, Indiana’s crisp passing finds Obi Toppin wide open in the corner, and he drains another three to push the Pacers’ lead to eight points. Oklahoma City calls a timeout as the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd erupts.
Player Spotlight: Obi Toppin
The Pacers’ sixth man continues to be a difference-maker in the NBA Finals. His ability to space the floor and finish at the rim has given Indiana a significant boost off the bench.
Points: 15
Rebounds: 5
FG: 6-10
3PT: 2-4
Q3 3:42 – Thunder Struggling From Deep
Oklahoma City’s three-point shooting woes continue, as they’re now 2-for-14 from beyond the arc. This has allowed Indiana to pack the paint more effectively, limiting the Thunder’s driving lanes.
End of Q3: Pacers 87, Thunder 80
The Pacers take a seven-point lead into the final quarter. The three-point shooting disparity has been the story of the game so far, with Indiana hitting 11-of-28 (39.3%) compared to Oklahoma City’s 2-of-14 (14.3%). The Thunder appear fatigued, potentially feeling the effects of the Pacers’ relentless full-court pressure.
Danger Zone for Thunder
Oklahoma City now faces a critical fourth quarter. Trailing by 7 with 12 minutes to play, they risk falling into a 3-1 series deficit that would be extremely difficult to overcome. Only 13 teams in NBA history have ever come back from 3-1 down in a playoff series.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault rallies his team during a crucial timeout
Fourth Quarter: Thunder’s Epic Comeback
SGA takes over in the fourth quarter with clutch scoring
Q4 9:28 – SGA Criticism Turns to Prophecy
A fan comment posted at this moment would prove ironic by game’s end: “SGA a baller, great stats, super body control but not going to take over a game. He alright, overrated. Here’s his chance to change my mind.” Little did they know what was about to unfold.
Q4 7:15 – Pacers Maintain Control
Indiana continues to hold a comfortable lead midway through the fourth quarter. Their balanced attack has four players in double figures, led by Pascal Siakam with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals.
Q4 4:38 – SGA Ignites
With Oklahoma City’s season essentially on the line, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes over. The NBA MVP begins an incredible scoring run, attacking the basket relentlessly and drawing fouls.
Pivotal Sequence: Thunder Defensive Stand
With 3:20 remaining and the Pacers leading 103-99, Oklahoma City’s defense locks in. Chet Holmgren delivers a crucial block, and on the ensuing possession, SGA drains a three-pointer to cut the lead to one point. The momentum has completely shifted.
Q4 2:23 – The Lead Changes Hands
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 15-foot baseline jumper gives the Thunder a 104-103 lead, their first lead since late in the second quarter. The Pacers call timeout as Oklahoma City’s bench erupts in celebration.
Thunder bench erupts as they take their first lead of the second half
Q4 0:44 – SGA Seals It
Gilgeous-Alexander calmly sinks two free throws to give the Thunder a 107-103 lead. The Pacers’ offense has completely stalled, failing to make a field goal in the final 3:20 of the game.
Final: Thunder 111, Pacers 104
Oklahoma City completes the comeback, outscoring Indiana 31-17 in the fourth quarter to even the series at 2-2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of the Thunder’s last 16 points in the final 4:38, finishing with 35 points on 12-of-24 shooting.
Thunder Final Stats
- SGA: 35 pts, 3 stl, 0 ast
- Jalen Williams: 27 pts, 11-11 FT
- Alex Caruso: 20 pts (off bench)
Pacers Final Stats
- Pascal Siakam: 20 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl
- Tyrese Haliburton: 18 pts, 7 ast
- Obi Toppin: 17 pts, 7 reb
“We knew it when we woke up this morning; 3-1 is a lot different than 2-2 going back home. We played with desperation until the end of the game, and that’s why we won. We got to try to maintain the same desperation going into game five, game six, whatever it may be.”
SGA’s Historic Quarter
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 15 fourth-quarter points marked a postseason career high. He had only two games in the regular season with more points in a final frame.
Remarkably, SGA finished with zero assists despite his 35 points, focusing entirely on scoring when his team needed it most.
Three-Point Disparity
The Thunder overcame a massive disadvantage from beyond the arc. Indiana made 11 three-pointers compared to just 3 for Oklahoma City, creating a 24-point differential from deep.
The Pacers missed all eight of their fourth-quarter three-point attempts, their most misses without a make in any quarter this season.
Offensive Rebounds
Oklahoma City dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 12 offensive rebounds to Indiana’s 7. This included a crucial 4-1 advantage in the fourth quarter.
These extra possessions proved vital in a game where the Thunder struggled with their shooting efficiency.
| Category | Thunder | Pacers |
| Field Goal % | 44.4% | 47.1% |
| 3-Point % | 17.6% (3-17) | 39.3% (11-28) |
| Free Throws | 28-31 | 15-20 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 36 |
| Assists | 10 | 21 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 16 |
Turning Point: Pacers’ Offensive Collapse
Indiana’s offense completely fell apart in the closing minutes. After executing their motion offense beautifully for three quarters, the Pacers recorded just one assist in the entire fourth quarter while being outscored 31-17.
Looking Ahead: Series Tied 2-2
Series shifts back to Oklahoma City for pivotal Game 5
With the series now tied at 2-2, the NBA Finals shifts back to Oklahoma City for a crucial Game 5 on Monday night. Teams that win Game 5 of a 2-2 Finals have gone on to win the championship 74.2% of the time (23-8).
Thunder’s Outlook
Oklahoma City has regained home-court advantage and momentum with this comeback win. The Thunder have been excellent after losses this season, going 18-2 straight up, including 5-0 in the playoffs.
Their three-point shooting should improve at home, where they’ve shot 37.2% from deep in these playoffs compared to 31.8% on the road.
Pacers’ Challenge
Indiana must regroup after a devastating fourth-quarter collapse. The Pacers have shown resilience throughout the playoffs, going 3-1 in games following a loss this postseason.
They’ll need to rediscover their offensive flow that abandoned them late in Game 4, particularly their ball movement that generated just one fourth-quarter assist.
| Game | Date | Location | Time (ET) |
| Game 5 | Monday, June 16 | Oklahoma City | 8:30 PM |
| Game 6 | Thursday, June 19 | Indianapolis | 8:30 PM |
| Game 7* | Sunday, June 22 | Oklahoma City | 8:00 PM |
*if necessary
“It’s a dark fight every time you step onto the floor. At both ends of the floor, they make you work. We like to make teams work. So whoever imposes their will, the best of the series will come out on top. And that’s our goal.”
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Final Thoughts: A Series for the Ages
Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals delivered everything basketball fans could want – drama, star performances, momentum swings, and clutch moments. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s fourth-quarter takeover will be remembered as one of the defining moments of these playoffs, while the Pacers will look to bounce back from a devastating collapse.
With the series tied 2-2 and shifting back to Oklahoma City, this NBA Finals is now effectively a best-of-three. Both teams have shown they can win on the road, setting up what should be an incredible finish to this championship series. Game 5 on Monday night now looms as potentially the most important game of the season for both franchises.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy awaits the winner of this tightly contested NBA Finals
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Social Media Reactions
Basketball world reacts to Thunder’s comeback victory
NBA Analysts
“SGA COMES UP HUGE IN GAME 4 ⚡️🚨 35 points. 15 in the 4th. 3 steals. THE #KiaMVP DELIVERS IN A MASSIVE MOMENT FOR OKC!”
— @NBA
“Yep! That’s me. Who would’ve thought….I can multi-task. Especially during TIMEOUTS! Hope y’all are enjoying the NBA Finals. This is going 7 games now, peeps!”
— Stephen A. Smith
Fan Reactions
“This has been a phenomenal Finals. I love the Thunder and typically you’d feel nervous when your team is in these games. This series has been different in that I’ve genuinely enjoyed watching both teams go at each other.”
— Brandon S.
“The Pacers still should have closed that game. Their offense in the last few minutes was ugly.”
— Corey B.
Team Perspectives
“Rick Carlisle says Indiana’s offense became stagnant down the stretch, resulting in just one 4th quarter assist 😮”
— NBA TV
“Pacers seem to play better with nobody believing in them, so on to Game 5…steal another on the road, they have a chance to close at home. Still so much left. Tough loss. Heck of a series.”
— Dr. Indiana J.