Thunder Claws Back Finals Tie Against Pacers in Comeback Win
OKC secured a victory in a remarkable comeback
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The Oklahoma City Thunder tied the NBA Finals series at 2-2 with a late surge, toppled the Indiana Pacers 111-104 in Game 4. Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable yet again, isolating the opposition with his dazzling footwork and incredible scoring ability. German center Isaiah Hartenstein put in a solid performance, contributing with rebounds, despite a quiet scoring night. The series now heads to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5.
Closer Than Close
In the dying minutes of the fourth quarter, the Thunder found themselves trailing by 10 points (76-86) with only two minutes left in the third quarter. The Pacers seemed poised to take a decisive lead and possibly close out the series. But the Thunder displayed remarkable resilience, embarking on a 16-7 run, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring all but one of those points. The German center sealed the deal with a clutch three-pointer to take the lead (104-103) and six perfect free throws in the final seconds, ensuring Indiana couldn't retaliate.
Gilgeous-Alexander Shines Even Brighter
With his jaw-dropping 15-point outburst in the final 5 minutes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the first player to score so many points in the closing minutes of regulation in an NBA Finals game since 1971. This performance marked his fourth 30-point game in the series, solidifying his spot as the series' leading scorer.
The Road to the Championship
Although the Pacers struggled to contain Gilgeous-Alexander, they showcased strong three-point shooting and solid play from their starters. However, the Thunder's stifling defense in the final minutes proved the key to the victory. With home court advantage secured, Oklahoma City aims to seize the opportunity in Game 5 and take a stranglehold on the series. The Pacers must regroup and counter Gilgeous-Alexander's dominance to extend their NBA championship aspirations.
- NBA
- Finals
- Basketball
Bonus Insights:
- Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner posted strong performances for the Pacers, but it wasn't enough to contain the Thunder's offense.
- The Thunder have won the last three games after losing the series opener, a tough task they've accomplished in both 2022 and 2015.
- The team that wins Game 5 of the NBA Finals has gone on to win the championship in the past three instances.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA Finals series against the Indiana Pacers is now knotted at 2-2, with the Thunder securing a thrilling comeback win in Game 4, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to display his exceptional basketball skills. The Thunder's next game, Game 5, will take place in Oklahoma City, where they aim to capitalize on their home court advantage.
In Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated his incredible scoring ability once more, leading the Thunder's late surge with a 15-point outburst in the final minutes, making history by becoming the first player to score so many points in the closing minutes of regulation in an NBA Finals game since 1971. The series now hangs in the balance, with both teams determined to clinch the championship in basketball's most prestigious competition.
