In a thrilling Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a stunning 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers, tying the series 2-2 despite a historically poor 3-point shooting performance. The Thunder shot a mere 3-for-17 (17.6%) from beyond the arc, their worst in the playoffs, yet managed to overcome a seven-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch 15-point fourth quarter, OKC showcased resilience, defensive prowess, and strategic adjustments to secure the win. This guide breaks down how the Thunder defied the odds, with insights from NBA.com and other sources, offering tips for fans and analysts on what made this victory possible.
Why Game 4 Was a Defining Moment
The Thunder faced a critical juncture in Game 4, trailing 2-1 in the series and at risk of falling into a 3-1 hole, a deficit only one NBA team has ever overcome. Despite their abysmal 3-point shooting, OKC’s ability to adapt and capitalize on other strengths turned the tide. This win regained home-court advantage and shifted momentum heading into Game 5, per The Athletic. Key factors included:
- Clutch Performance: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game heroics.
- Defensive Intensity: Limiting the Pacers to 1 point in the final 3:20.
- Rebounding Edge: A 43-33 rebounding advantage, including 12 offensive rebounds.
How the Thunder Won Despite Poor 3-Point Shooting
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Fourth-Quarter Takeover
All the possessions in the 4th quarter – Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder.
Game 4 – 2025 NBA Finals. pic.twitter.com/VyeOr1Psc0
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) June 14, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025 NBA MVP, struggled early, shooting 12-of-24 and going 0-for-3 from deep until the final minutes. However, he erupted for 15 of his 35 points in the last 4:38, including a critical 3-pointer that cut Indiana’s lead to 103-102, per Yahoo Sports. His eight free throws in the fourth, after just two in the first 44 minutes, showcased his ability to draw fouls and capitalize under pressure.
- Key Moment: SGA’s contested baseline jumper gave OKC a 104-103 lead with 2:23 left.
- Free-Throw Prowess: He went 10-for-10 from the line, accounting for 36% of OKC’s free throws in the series.
- Defensive Impact: Added a block and a steal in the clutch.
Elite Defensive Adjustments
The Thunder’s defense, ranked No. 1 in the regular season, was pivotal in the fourth quarter, outscoring Indiana 31-17. They contested 83% of Pacers’ shots in the final frame, per ESPN, and held Indiana to 0-for-8 from 3-point range. This defensive clampdown spoiled the Pacers’ usually potent offense, which had shot 39% from deep in the first three quarters.
- Physicality: OKC’s aggressive defense disrupted Tyrese Haliburton, limiting him to 18 points and forcing five turnovers.
- Lineup Change: Reinserting Isaiah Hartenstein alongside Chet Holmgren bolstered rim protection and rebounding.
- Clutch Stops: A Holmgren block set up SGA’s go-ahead jumper, per NBA.com.
Rebounding and Second-Chance Points
Despite their 3-point woes, the Thunder dominated the boards, securing a 12-7 edge in offensive rebounds, leading to crucial second-chance points. This advantage was evident in the fourth quarter, where OKC grabbed four offensive rebounds compared to Indiana’s one, per Basketball-Reference. Posts on X noted OKC’s 34-of-61 shooting on non-3s, highlighting their focus on inside scoring to compensate for missed 3s.
- Key Stat: OKC’s 43-33 rebounding edge led to 12 second-chance points.
- Big Men Impact: Holmgren and Hartenstein combined for 15 rebounds.
- Team Effort: Jalen Williams added nine rebounds to his 27 points.
Capitalizing on Pacers’ Late-Game Mistakes
The Pacers faltered in the clutch, with Bennedict Mathurin missing three free throws and committing two off-ball fouls in the final minute, resulting in a five-point swing, per Yahoo Sports. Myles Turner also struggled, with no field goals and two fouls in the fourth, per NBA.com. These miscues allowed OKC to close on a 12-1 run.
- Mathurin’s Errors: Two away-from-play fouls gifted OKC free throws and possession.
- Turner’s Hesitation: Deferred shots led to forced attempts by teammates.
- Turnovers: Indiana’s five turnovers in the fourth fueled OKC’s transition game.
Role Players Stepped Up
Beyond SGA, OKC’s supporting cast delivered. Jalen Williams scored 27 points on 9-of-18 shooting, while Alex Caruso added 20 points off the bench, including key defensive plays. Their contributions offset the team’s 3-point struggles, with posts on X praising OKC’s balanced attack despite the 3-for-17 performance from deep.
- Williams’ Aggression: Drew 11 free-throw attempts, making seven.
- Caruso’s Versatility: Added six rebounds and three steals.
- Bench Depth: OKC’s reserves outscored Indiana’s 34-28, per ESPN.
Lessons for Fans and Analysts
The Thunder’s Game 4 win highlights that modern NBA success isn’t solely tied to 3-point shooting. Their ability to lean on defense, rebounding, and free-throw opportunities defied the 17-4 record Indiana held when outshooting opponents from deep, per NBC News. For fans, this game underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in high-stakes moments.
- Diversify Offense: OKC’s 47.4% field goal shooting and free-throw accuracy compensated for 3-point struggles.
- Trust Defense: Elite defense can win games even when shots aren’t falling.
- Clutch Execution: SGA’s takeover shows why star power matters in crunch time.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 4 victory in the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers was a testament to their grit, defensive tenacity, and star power. Despite a woeful 3-for-17 from beyond the arc, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch performance, a dominant fourth-quarter defense, and a rebounding edge turned the game in OKC’s favor. This win tied the series at 2-2, setting the stage for a thrilling Game 5.
