OKLAHOMA City Thunder showcased a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter, securing a 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Trailing 82-89 early in the fourth quarter, the Thunder gradually climbed back, fueled by six consecutive points from Chet Holmgren and a split free throw from Alex Caruso, which allowed them to tie the score at 89-all.
The Pacers maintained a lead at 103-99 thanks to baskets from Tyrese Haliburton, but a three-pointer and an inside basket from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with a free throw from Luguentz Dort, propelled the Thunder ahead 105-103.
Three additional free throws from Gilgeous-Alexander extended the Thunder’s lead to 108-103 with less than a minute remaining in the game, before they sealed the victory with two more free throws from Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander starred with 35 points, including a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line, along with three rebounds, three steals, and one block, leading OKC to tie the series at 2-2.
“It’s a dog fight,” stated Gilgeous-Alexander following the hard-fought win. “Every time you step on the floor, on both ends of the floor they make you work.”
Jalen Williams contributed 27 points, including an impressive 11-of-11 from the free-throw line, while Alex Caruso recorded 20 points, and Holmgren achieved a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
“We knew it when we woke up this morning — 3-1 is a lot different than 2-2 going back home,” added Gilgeous-Alexander. “We played with desperation to the end the game and that’s why we won.”
Paskal Siakam led the Pacers with 20 points, Tyrese Haliburton added 18 points, while Obi Toppin, Myles Turner, and Andrew Nembhard contributed 17, 12, and 10 points, respectively./PN
BOX SCORE:
OKLAHOMA CITY 111 — Gilgeous-Alexander 35, Jal. Williams 27, Caruso 20, Holmgren 14, Dort 6, K. Williams 4, Hartenstein 2, Wallace 2, Wiggins 1, Joe 0.
INDIANA 104 — Siakam 20, Haliburton 18, Toppin 17, Turner 12, Nembhard 10, Nesmith 8, McConnell 8, Mathurin 8, Sheppard 3.
Quarterscores: 34-35; 57-60; 80-87; 111-104.
