Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead the Thunders in 4 th quarter game-4 rally.
The 2025 NBA Finals continue to deliver edge-of-your-seat drama. In Game 4, the Oklahoma City Thunder stunned the Indiana Pacers with a late-game comeback to secure a 111-104 win. Despite poor shooting and a relentless Pacers defense, OKC found their rhythm just in time. With this clutch performance, the series now stands tied at 2-2, heading back to Oklahoma City for Game 5.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dominates Late to Rescue Thunder
For most of the game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled to find his usual rhythm. Indiana’s defense kept him from the free-throw line and neutralized his playmaking. But in the fourth quarter, everything changed.
Trailing 87-80 entering the final quarter, the Thunder looked on the ropes. Then Gilgeous-Alexander took over. He scored nine straight points for the Thunder, including a tough baseline jumper that gave them a 104-103 lead with just 2:23 remaining. Oklahoma City never trailed again.
Gilgeous-Alexander ended the game with 35 points, three rebounds, and three steals. He went 12-of-24 from the field and nailed all 10 of his free throws. Fifteen of those points came in the clutch fourth quarter.
Free Throws Prove Pivotal in Thunder's NBA Finals Comeback
One of the biggest surprises early in the game was Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence at the line. He didn’t attempt a single free throw in the first half. His first pair came in the third quarter — and then he exploded in the fourth.
Drawing fouls and slowing the game, Gilgeous-Alexander was a perfect 10-for-10 from the line. The Thunder, as a team, shot an impressive 89.5% from the stripe, going 34-of-38. This efficiency helped overcome their dismal 3-point shooting night.
Thunder Survive Despite Awful 3-Point Shooting
Oklahoma City’s outside shooting was far from championship-caliber. At halftime, the team had made just one of ten attempts from beyond the arc. They ended the night shooting a mere 18.8% (3-of-16) from three-point range.
Yet one of those three triples proved crucial. With under three minutes left, Gilgeous-Alexander drilled his only 3-pointer of the game to pull OKC within one. That moment shifted the game’s energy and launched the final rally.
Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams Rise to the Moment
While Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the game, it was Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams who kept OKC in the fight. Caruso scored 20 points off the bench on 7-of-9 shooting, along with three rebounds and five steals. His defensive intensity and timely buckets were game-changing.
Jalen Williams added 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Chet Holmgren also chipped in with a strong 14-point, 15-rebound double-double.
Pacers Collapse in Final Minutes
Indiana had control for much of Game 4, leading by seven heading into the fourth. But the final stretch exposed cracks under pressure. Bennedict Mathurin, the Game 3 hero, had a rough finish, missing three free throws and committing two costly away-from-play fouls in the last minute.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Obi Toppin added 17 off the bench, while Tyrese Haliburton scored 18 with seven assists. However, Haliburton’s five turnovers helped spark the Thunder’s momentum.
Series Shifts Back to Oklahoma City for Pivotal Game 5
Instead of taking a 3-1 series lead, the Pacers now face an even series on the road. The Thunder’s clutch Game 4 performance, highlighted by Gilgeous-Alexander’s late brilliance and their near-perfect free-throw shooting, swings momentum firmly back to OKC.
With home-court advantage regained, the Thunder now have the chance to take control of the NBA Finals in front of their home fans. Game 5 promises to be a battle as both teams chase basketball glory.
