Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered in the clutch, scoring 15 of his 35 points in the final five minutes as the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled out a 111-104 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday.
With the win, the series is now tied 2-2 as both teams prepare for a pivotal Game 5 on Monday in Oklahoma City.
Despite being the focal point of Indiana’s physical defensive approach, Gilgeous-Alexander remained composed. “Trying to keep them off balance as best as possible,” he said when asked about facing repeated pressure throughout the series.
The Thunder star shot 12-for-24 from the field and 10-for-10 at the free-throw line. He hit a go-ahead step-back jumper with 2:23 left, capping a surge where he scored all but one of the team’s final 16 points.
“I didn’t want to go out not swinging,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “I just tried to be aggressive… and I guess it paid off.”
His stoic demeanor, even under pressure, didn’t go unnoticed. “I try to get lost in competing,” he said. “That’s what I try to completely focus on.”
Oklahoma City outscored Indiana 31-17 in the fourth quarter, marking the first time they won a final period this series. “Winning any quarter for us looks like us getting stops,” he said, emphasizing the connection between defense and offensive flow.
Jalen Williams added 27 points and helped carry the scoring load early. “He was special tonight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s what makes us a good team — it’s more than just me.”
The Thunder also got key contributions from Alex Caruso, who scored 20 points off the bench. Gilgeous-Alexander praised his versatility, saying, “He’s a winner… he does whatever it takes every night.”
Lu Dort’s defense also helped ignite Oklahoma City’s rally. “He was a catalyst for our comeback,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
The Thunder erased a 10-point second-half deficit after struggling from behind the arc and recording no assists from Gilgeous-Alexander — a season first. Still, they shot 47.4% overall and 89.5% from the line.
Indiana led 86-76 late in the third before Oklahoma City stormed back with a 13-3 run. The game remained close until Gilgeous-Alexander took control late.
When asked if he sensed the moment, the Thunder guard responded, “Absolutely… I relish those moments. Love the moments — good or bad.”
Oklahoma City’s win reclaims home-court advantage. Historically, the winner of Game 5 in a 2-2 NBA Finals has gone on to win the series 73% of the time.
