Mon Jun 23 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

The 2025 NBA Finals are tied 2-2 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers after a hard-fought Game 4 victory for the Thunder (111-104). The Thunder won despite a poor 3-point shooting performance, relying instead on free throws, defense, and rebounding. The Pacers’ usually potent offense struggled in the fourth quarter, failing to make a single 3-pointer. The Thunder’s Chet Holmgren had a standout performance with 15 rebounds. The Thunder also adjusted their starting lineup, bringing Isaiah Hartenstein in earlier. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled for much of the game but came alive in the clutch. Both teams will need to make adjustments heading into Game 5 in Oklahoma City.

## News Article:

**Thunder Even NBA Finals with Gritty Game 4 Win Over Pacers**

**Oklahoma City, OK –** The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are locked in a 2-2 tie in the 2025 NBA Finals after the Thunder eked out a 111-104 victory in a physical, foul-filled Game 4 on Friday night.

In a stunning turn of events, the Thunder secured the win despite hitting only three 3-pointers throughout the game. Their success was fueled by a dominant performance on the boards, out-rebounding the Pacers by 10, and capitalizing on free-throw opportunities, hitting 34 of 38 attempts. Chet Holmgren’s 15 rebounds anchored the Thunder’s defensive effort.

The Pacers, known for their high-octane offense, faltered in the fourth quarter, scoring only 17 points and missing all eight of their 3-point attempts. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton acknowledged the team’s struggle to maintain their usual pace.

“I’ve gotta do a better job of keeping pace in the game,” Haliburton said. “We were fouling too much, taking the ball out, having to run something instead of random basketball.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite a slow start, came alive in the game’s final minutes, scoring 35 points and carrying the Thunder to victory.

“I just tried to be aggressive,” SGA said. “I knew what it would have looked like if we lost tonight. I didn’t want to go out not swinging. I didn’t want to go out not doing everything I could do in my power, in my control to try to win the game. The guys deserve that much from me. The coaching staff deserves that much from me. I just tried to be aggressive, but also let the game come to me, not try to force anything too crazy. I guess it paid off.”

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle lamented his team’s inability to secure rebounds and the missed free throws. “Their second shots were a big problem,” Carlisle said. “When you’re unable to rebound, it’s hard to play with pace and tempo.”

With the series now a best-of-three, the Thunder will host Game 5 on Monday night, and will be looking to build on the momentum and take a lead over the Pacers.

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