The Stakes Are Sky-High as Game 4 Tips Off in Indiana
We’ve officially hit crunch time in the 2025 NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of desperation, heading into hostile territory Friday night for Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT, and this one's a biggie. The Pacers are currently up 2-1 in the series and looking to push the Thunder to the edge.
Game 3 on Wednesday didn’t go OKC’s way, and they now find themselves with their backs against the wall. After a 116-107 loss in Indiana, the Thunder’s mission to split the road series now rides entirely on Game 4. This isn’t just a test of talent—it’s a test of resilience, chemistry, and big-time poise under pressure.
OKC's Big Three Need a Bounce-Back Game
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t quite himself in Game 3. He still dropped 24 points, but it felt like Indiana had him figured out just enough to slow down OKC’s offensive rhythm. Luckily for the Thunder, Jalen Williams stepped up in a big way, pouring in a team-high 26 points. And Chet Holmgren? The unicorn rookie recorded a strong 20-point double-double that kept the Thunder competitive most of the night.
Still, for OKC to tie this series up, it’s going to take more. More firepower. More defensive intensity. More poise. And yeah—more of Shai being that guy.
Tyrese Haliburton Is Orchestrating Like a Maestro
Indiana’s win in Game 3 wasn’t a fluke—it was the product of their growing confidence and a well-oiled machine led by their floor general, Tyrese Haliburton. The All-Star point guard flirted with a triple-double, finishing with nearly 21 points and a heap of assists that shredded OKC’s defense. He’s been a nightmare to contain, and his court vision is turning the Pacers into a legit title threat.
Adding to that threat? Pascal Siakam, who quietly added 21 points of his own, and Bennedict Mathurin, who exploded for 27 off the bench. That kind of bench scoring is deadly in a Finals series—it keeps the momentum alive even when the starters rest. And that’s a luxury the Pacers have embraced beautifully.
Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out
Let’s take a quick look at the health status heading into Friday night’s battle:
✅ Thunder: Remarkably healthy, with only Nikola Topic (torn ACL) on the shelf. That gives OKC a full deck to play with, and in a must-win situation, that matters.
❌ Pacers: Depth has taken a hit. Jarace Walker (ankle sprain) and Isaiah Jackson (torn Achilles) are both ruled out for Game 4. While not starters, these guys provided solid rotational minutes—especially on the defensive end and the boards.
Even with a slightly thinned-out bench, Indiana hasn’t missed a beat yet. But it’s something worth watching if this series drags out.
Three Things to Watch in Game 4
🔹 Will Shai Take Over?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the heartbeat of this OKC squad. If he turns it up to MVP-mode, it could be a series-shifting performance. Expect the Pacers to continue throwing doubles at him—how he responds could be the story of the night.
🔹 Pacers’ Bench Production
Mathurin was electric off the bench in Game 3. Can he repeat that show in Game 4? With the Pacers missing some depth, guys like him need to keep delivering.
🔹 Chet Holmgren’s Paint Presence
Holmgren has shown flashes of brilliance all postseason long. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim makes him an X-factor. Can he be the difference-maker on both ends?
Coach’s Corner: Tactics and Adjustments
Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault knows time is running out. He’s got to find ways to free up Shai from the Pacers’ swarming defense and get more off-ball movement to open up perimeter looks. More importantly, he needs the defense to tighten up—especially in transition, where Indiana has been feasting.
On the other side, Rick Carlisle is probably feeling pretty good. His game plan has worked wonders in two straight wins. He’ll likely keep riding Haliburton’s hot hand and let the offense flow through his pick-and-roll sets, where the Thunder have struggled to make consistent reads.
Game 4: The Vibe Check
If you’ve been watching this series, you know the vibes have shifted. Game 1 felt like OKC’s moment. Game 2 showed their depth and grit. But Game 3? That was all Indiana—fast-paced, efficient, and fired up by the home crowd. They’ve got the swagger now.
But if we’ve learned anything about this Thunder team, it’s that they don’t back down. They’re young, but they’ve got fight. Game 4 isn’t just about leveling the series—it’s about making a statement. It’s about showing the league that this Cinderella run doesn’t end in Indiana.
Prediction? Let’s Not Get Ahead of Ourselves
Game 4 has all the makings of an instant classic. The Thunder know what’s at stake. The Pacers smell blood in the water. Every possession is going to matter. Every defensive rotation. Every loose ball. It’s a Finals game that could define the series—or even end it early if Indiana grabs a commanding 3-1 lead.
So, will the Thunder storm back? Or will the Pacers light it up again at home?
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