The Oklahoma City Thunder roared to life in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, stamping their authority on the contest from the opening tip and never relinquishing control. From the very first possession, the Thunder’s intensity was palpable, a perfect blend of precision offense and relentless defense that left the Indiana Pacers scrambling to keep pace. By the end of the night, the scoreboard read 123-107, a decisive victory that knotted the series at 2-2 and sent a powerful message that Oklahoma City was not going quietly.
The game began with a thunderclap — literally and figuratively — as the Thunder exploded out of the gates. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrated the offense with the poise of a seasoned maestro, slicing through the Pacers’ defense with a combination of step-back threes and quick drives to the basket. He finished the night with a masterful 32 points, showing off a dazzling array of moves that kept the Pacers guessing and often off balance. Alongside him, Josh Giddey was the embodiment of versatility, contributing 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists, a near triple-double that fueled the team’s relentless pace.
The Thunder’s defense was equally impressive, disrupting the Pacers’ rhythm at every turn. They harassed Indiana’s primary scorers, forcing contested shots and turnovers that quickly translated into fast-break opportunities. Luguentz Dort was a defensive nightmare, locking down the perimeter with suffocating pressure and finishing the game with 18 points of his own. The Thunder’s bench also played a crucial role, providing valuable minutes and energy that kept the momentum firmly in Oklahoma City’s favor.
On the other side, the Pacers struggled to find answers. Domantas Sabonis led Indiana’s efforts with 28 points and 12 rebounds, showing his usual grit and determination in the paint. However, the Thunder’s physicality and depth proved too much over the course of the night. Malcolm Brogdon and Tyrese Haliburton tried to spark a comeback with a few timely baskets and assists, but the Thunder’s stifling defense continually snuffed out any momentum Indiana managed to build.
Oklahoma City’s dominance was evident in every quarter. They controlled the glass, out-rebounded the Pacers 52-39, and showcased a balanced offensive attack that kept Indiana’s defense guessing. The Thunder’s 54% shooting from the field, including a blistering 41% from beyond the arc, reflected their aggressive but efficient play. The Pacers, meanwhile, could only manage 45% shooting and struggled to convert in crucial moments.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Thunder celebrated a hard-fought victory that tied the series and set the stage for an epic showdown in Game 5. With momentum on their side and confidence brimming, Oklahoma City proved they were ready to battle for the championship crown. The Thunder’s early domination and sustained control in this game will be remembered as a defining moment in the 2025 NBA Finals — a vivid testament to their resilience, skill, and unyielding desire to win.
