Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander unleashed a breathtaking performance late in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, igniting the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 111–104 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers, evening the series 2–2. On Friday in Indianapolis, GMVP Gilgeous‑Alexander erupted for 15 of his 35 points in the final 4:38, fueling a decisive 12–1 run that cemented the victory. His late-game heroics—highlighted by a perfect 10-for-10 at the free-throw line—sealed the deal and restored momentum for the Thunder.
Thunder’s Resilient Comeback from a 10‑Point Deficit
The Pacers led by 10 points late in the third quarter, but Oklahoma City responded with characteristic poise. Four ties in the fourth set the stage, but it was SGA’s fourth-quarter explosion—marked by critical 3-pointers and clutch mid-range shots—that tipped momentum.He nailed a step-back jumper over Aaron Nesmith with ~2:23 remaining, marking the first Thunder lead since halftime and igniting the decisive run.
Key Figures in the Finish
- Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander: Finished with 35 points, zero assists (first time since 2020), 3 steals, and 10-for-10 from the line in crunch time.
- Jalen Williams: Contributed 27 points, maintaining his aggressive shooting presence throughout the series.
- Alex Caruso: Provided 20 points off the bench, including one key block and crucial defensive plays in the late stages.
- Chet Holmgren: Pulled down 15 rebounds and added 14 points, anchoring the Thunder’s interior during the surge.
Pacers Falter Late
Indiana’s offense faltered dramatically. The Pacers managed just 5-for-18 shooting (27.8%) in the final quarter and went 0-for-8 from three. Both teams saw heavy foul-play; tensions flared with flagrant and technical fouls in the first half, setting an emotional tone that shaped the second half. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle lamented stagnant ball movement, while Pascal Siakam (20 points) and Tyrese Haliburton (18 points) couldn’t break through when it mattered.
Strategic Adjustments: Daigneault’s Game Plan
Coach Mark Daigneault took a calculated risk by resting SGA earlier in each half to ensure he had the energy to dominate late—a move that paid dividends.The Thunder defense also tightened in the final frame, holding the Pacers to just 17 points as a team. Combined with SGA’s finishing kick, it created a blueprint for resilience.
Momentum Swings and What’s Next
The series will shift back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Monday—with home-court advantage restored. This is a significant psychological lift: teams facing a 3–1 deficit have only rallied once in Finals history. SGA emphasized the importance of keeping the “same desperation” on their home floor.
Statistical Context and Historical Relevance
- SGA’s late-game heroics achieve historical status—his 11 points in the final 3 minutes mark the most in a Finals period in over 50 years.
- This rebound fits a season-long narrative: OKC is 22–12 when trailing by double digits, showcasing their battle-hardiness.
- SGA’s MVP credentials are further solidified; he’s already led an NBA-best record-setting campaign (68–14) and continues to elevate when the stakes are highest .
Final Takeaway
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s fourth-quarter explosion in Game 4 not only leveled the NBA Finals at 2–2—it reshaped the series narrative. With home-court advantage regained and momentum firmly back on their side, the Thunder have seized a psychological edge. The Pacers, meanwhile, will need to reassert offensive fluidity and composure under Duress.
Expect Game 5 in Oklahoma City to be a defining clash: a pivotal chance for both teams to seize control of the championship arc. One thing’s certain—when the clock ticks down, SGA is the player teams will fear most.
