Thunder Rally to Level NBA Finals vs Pacers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dramatic comeback victory over the Indiana Pacers, scoring 35 points to level the NBA Finals at 2-2.
The Thunder secured a 111-104 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, rallying from a seven-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter.
Oklahoma City dominated the final period, outscoring the Pacers 31-17 and closing with a decisive 12-1 run in the final three minutes.
“I knew what it would look like if we lost tonight,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, this season’s NBA MVP. “I didn’t want to go down without a fight.”
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault adjusted his rotation, giving Gilgeous-Alexander a brief rest late in the third quarter rather than early in the fourth. The move paid off.
With Indiana leading 101-97 and under four minutes left, Gilgeous-Alexander took control—scoring 15 of Oklahoma City’s final 16 points and going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.
Jalen Williams contributed 27 points and seven rebounds, while Alex Caruso added 20 points off the bench.
For Indiana, Pascal Siakam led with 20 points and Tyrese Haliburton added 18. “We just didn’t execute in the final minutes,” Siakam admitted. “They made shots. We didn’t.”
Game five will take place at the Thunder’s home court, Paycom Center, in Oklahoma City on Monday at 7:30 p.m. local time (Tuesday 1:30 a.m. BST), with the series now finely poised.
Thunder Rally to Level NBA Finals vs Pacers