What Happened
In Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers, leading the series 2-1, aimed to take a commanding 3-1 lead, while the Thunder sought to even the series. The game began with a competitive first quarter, where the Pacers managed to maintain a slight edge, ending the period with a score of 35-34. As the game progressed, the Pacers built a more substantial lead, primarily due to their effective three-point shooting and contributions from multiple players.
By the end of the third quarter, the Pacers led 87-80, showcasing a significant advantage in three-point shooting, having converted 11 of 28 attempts compared to the Thunder’s 2 of 14. This disparity in shooting efficiency was a critical factor in the game’s outcome. The Pacers ultimately secured a 116-107 victory, placing them just one win away from their first NBA Championship in franchise history.
Key Details
- Final Score: Indiana Pacers 116, Oklahoma City Thunder 107
- Series Status: Pacers lead the NBA Finals series 3-1
- Key Players:
- Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin (27 points), Tyrese Haliburton (22 points, 11 rebounds), Pascal Siakam (21 points)
- Thunder: Jalen Williams (26 points), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24 points), Chet Holmgren (20 points)
- Three-Point Shooting: Pacers shot 39.3% (11 of 28), while the Thunder struggled at 14.3% (2 of 14).
- Bench Contributions: The Pacers’ bench outperformed the Thunder’s, with Obi Toppin contributing 15 points and the Thunder’s bench scoring only 18 points total.
Multiple Perspectives
The Pacers’ victory was characterized by their ability to capitalize on three-point shooting and depth in scoring. According to USA Today, the Pacers’ bench, particularly Mathurin and Toppin, played a pivotal role in the win, providing essential scoring that complemented the efforts of their starters. This performance has led some analysts to argue that the Pacers’ depth is a significant advantage in the series.
Conversely, the Thunder’s performance has raised concerns about their reliance on their starting trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren, who combined for 70 of the team’s 107 points. Critics have pointed out that the Thunder’s bench failed to provide adequate support, which could be detrimental as the series progresses. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the need for more contributions from the bench to compete effectively against the Pacers.
Context & Background
The 2025 NBA Finals marks a significant moment for both franchises. The Pacers are seeking their first championship, having previously reached the Finals in 2000, while the Thunder, formerly the Seattle SuperSonics, won their only title in 1979. The series has highlighted the evolution of both teams, with the Pacers emerging as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference and the Thunder continuing to build around their star players.
The disparity in three-point shooting has been a recurring theme throughout the series, reflecting broader trends in the NBA where teams increasingly rely on perimeter shooting as a key component of their offensive strategies. The Pacers’ ability to adapt and execute their game plan effectively has positioned them as strong contenders in this Finals matchup.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As the series continues, several uncertainties remain. The performance of the Thunder’s bench will be a focal point in the upcoming games, and it remains to be seen how they will adjust to the Pacers’ defensive strategies. Additionally, the health of key players, such as the Pacers’ Myles Turner, who had been dealing with an illness, could impact future games. The potential for a Game 5 comeback by the Thunder also looms large, as teams facing a 3-1 deficit have historically struggled to overcome such a situation in the NBA playoffs.
Overall, the dynamics of the series are still evolving, and the outcome of Game 5 will be critical in determining whether the Pacers can clinch their first championship or if the Thunder can mount a comeback to extend the series.
