NBA Finals Game 4: Thunder vs. Pacers – Can OKC Bounce Back?

Posted: June 13, 2025

The 2025 NBA Finals are heating up, and all eyes are on tonight’s pivotal Game 4 between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Pacers leading the series 2-1, this game could either set the stage for a commanding Indiana advantage or mark the beginning of a fierce Thunder comeback.

Pacers on the Rise

The Pacers have surprised many this postseason with their grit, chemistry, and defensive tenacity. Led by Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana has executed with precision on both ends of the court. In Game 3, they dismantled OKC’s rhythm, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. The contributions of role players like Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner have proven just as valuable, showing that the Pacers are not a one-man show.

Thunder Under Pressure

For Oklahoma City, the pressure is mounting. After dominating much of the regular season and entering the Finals as slight favorites, the Thunder now find themselves at a crossroads. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the consistent star, dropping 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in Game 3, but the team needs more from young talents like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams if they hope to turn the tide.

OKC head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized focus and execution in a press conference earlier today, stating, "We knew this wouldn’t be easy. Championship moments are defined by how you respond to adversity."

Key Storylines to Watch Tonight

• Battle of the Backcourts: Haliburton vs. Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be must-watch basketball.
• Rebounding War: Indiana has dominated the glass so far; OKC must crash the boards more aggressively.
• Bench Impact: The Pacers' bench has outplayed the Thunder's in each game—a swing factor if OKC can't adjust.

What’s at Stake

A win tonight for Indiana puts them up 3-1—a deficit that historically few teams overcome. For OKC, a Game 4 victory not only ties the series but also shifts momentum back in their favor as the Finals return to Oklahoma City for Game 5.

Prediction

Expect a high-intensity battle with playoff-level defense and big moments from both squads. But if OKC's supporting cast can step up and the team tightens its interior defense, we might just be looking at a tied series come tomorrow morning.

Tip-off is at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. Stay tuned for post-game reactions and analysis right here.

Who do you think takes Game 4? Drop your predictions