Early Struggles as Pacers Build Advantage
In thunder vs pacers Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 13, the Indiana Pacers applied offensive and defensive pressure that left the Oklahoma City Thunder looking tired and exasperated for most of the contest. Indiana opened with a strong first quarter, taking a 35-34 lead after a quick 9-0 Thunder run. Pascal Siakam paced the Pacers with 10 points in that period, adding several steals that troubled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who managed just four points early on. The Pacers shot efficiently (55% in Q1, including 4-of-8 from three) and dominated the paint early, while OKC’s double-big lineup featuring Isaiah Hartenstein showed mixed results.
By the third quarter, the Pacers held an 87-80 lead. Their 3-point shooting (11-of-28, 39.3%) contrasted sharply with the Thunder’s struggles (2-of-14, 14.3%). Indiana’s bench boost came from Obi Toppin, who scored 15 points in the quarter, and Tyrese Haliburton chipped in with steady play. The Pacers score looked comfortable at times, but Oklahoma City kept responding whenever Indiana tried to pull away. Fatigue seemed to affect OKC, reflected in 44.4% overall shooting and only 10 assists on 37 made field goals.
Late-Game Turnaround in Thunder vs Pacers
Trailing by 10 points late in the third quarter and down 103-99 with 3:20 left in the fourth, the Thunder found a spark. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer, and Chet Holmgren recorded a key block, setting the stage for a decisive stretch. With 2:23 remaining, Shai’s 15-foot baseline jumper gave Oklahoma City its first lead since late in the second quarter at 104-103. He then sank two free throws with 44 seconds left to push the Thunder ahead 107-103. Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin missed three of four free throws in the final 23.8 seconds, sealing the Pacers’ fate.
Despite poor 3-point shooting (17.6% overall) and stagnant offense for much of the night, the Thunder’s resilience shone through. They overcame not just a deficit but their own shooting woes, finishing with 111 points to Indiana’s 104. Oklahoma City had to grind against a Pacers team that refused to relent until the final buzzer.
Key Performers in Game 4
Several players stood out in this thunder vs pacers showdown:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (35 points): Perfect from the line (10-for-10 free throws), plus three rebounds and three steals. Notably, he recorded zero assists—a strange stat line in an odd victory. This was his 14th playoff game scoring at least 30 points.
- Jalen Williams (27 points): Continued his breakout postseason form, leading OKC alongside Shai.
- Chet Holmgren (14 points): Provided rim protection and timely blocks during Indiana’s runs.
- Alex Caruso (20 points): Came off the bench to supply scoring and defense down the stretch.
- Pascal Siakam (20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals): Anchored Indiana’s balanced attack, impacting both ends.
- Tyrese Haliburton (18 points, 7 assists): Consistent facilitator for the Pacers, though he went scoreless for long stretches before contributing in spurts.
- Obi Toppin (17 points, 7 rebounds): Energized the bench with timely baskets, including in the third quarter when Indiana tried to extend its lead.
US Open Picks: Million-Dollar Parlay Locked in for Oakmont Challenge
Physicality and Key Incidents
The physical nature of thunder vs pacers Game 4 surfaced in flagrant fouls:
- Lu Dort drew a flagrant foul on Obi Toppin during a comeback effort, sending a message after earlier contact.
- Conversely, Toppin committed a flagrant foul on Alex Caruso in a separate incident, leading to technicals and Caruso’s free throws. These moments underscored the intensity as both teams battled for control.
Brazil vs Paraguay: Player Ratings as Selecão Qualify for 2026 World Cup
Atmosphere and Notable Attendees
Gainbridge Fieldhouse buzzed with energy. NBA Finals Game 4 saw appearances from former Pacers and NBA legends, including Reggie Miller, Grant Hill, Charles Barkley, and others. Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever also attended, supporting Pascal Siakam. Their presence reflected the high stakes in the thunder vs pacers matchup.
Aaron Rodgers Wife Remains Unconfirmed After QB Reveals Marriage
Series Implications and What’s Next
With the 111-104 win, Oklahoma City evened the series at 2-2. Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, June 16, in Oklahoma City at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Historically, teams winning Game 5 in a tied Finals series prevail 74.2% of the time (23-8). Both squads had limited rest before Game 4, and the outcome sets up a pivotal contest. Fans wondering where to watch Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder can tune in to ABC for the next pacers game today.
Deion Sanders’ Return to Colorado Uncertain Amid Health Issue
How Thunder vs Pacers Game 4 Shaped the Finals
This back-and-forth series continues to deliver drama. The Pacers led late yet could not sustain offense in crunch time, while the Thunder battled poor shooting and fatigue to snatch victory. Oklahoma City’s ability to fight until the final buzzer mirrors Indiana’s own relentlessness. As the series shifts to OKC, the pressure mounts: the home crowd will be loud, and the Thunder aim to capitalize on momentum. Indiana must regroup, address late-game execution, and regain shooting consistency, especially from deep.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
Key questions for the next thunder vs pacers matchup include:
- Can the Pacers adjust defensive schemes to limit Shai’s isolation opportunities?
- Will OKC improve its three-point shooting or lean further on inside scoring and free throws?
- How will rotation decisions—such as double-big lineups with Hartenstein—affect the pace and matchup dynamics?
- Which role players step up under pressure on the road in an NBA Finals Game 5 environment?
As both teams prepare, fans will follow pacers score updates and OKC Thunder news closely. The series remains wide open, and Monday’s contest promises another chapter in this thrilling Finals showdown.
Follow TNN for coverage of thunder vs pacers, US news today, and Canada news today.
