The Indiana Pacers push forward with a crucial Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City against the rejuvenated Thunder.
After coming within minutes of taking a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Indiana Pacers now find themselves in a deadlock heading into Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday (PH time).
The Pacers were in control for most of Game 4, leading by as many as 10 points and riding the momentum of their Game 3 win, but could not hold off a furious Thunder rally in the closing minutes.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for nine unanswered points late in the fourth quarter to lift Oklahoma City to a 111-104 win that swung both the game and the homecourt advantage back in the Thunder’s favor.
Pascal Siakam paced Indiana with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton tallied 18 points and seven assists.
Obi Toppin added 17 points in another balanced showing for the East champions — but it wasn’t enough to counter Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35-point explosion.
Now back in hostile territory, the Pacers will need to show the same poise that got them here.
With the Finals tied at 2-2 and OKC hosting two of the last three games, Indiana is facing its toughest test yet in this Cinderella postseason run.
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]