PACERS vs. THUNDER PREDICTION + PROPS (GAME 4 NBA FINALS)
PACERS vs. THUNDER PREDICTION + PROPS (GAME 4 NBA FINALS)
Thunder Battle Back in Game 4 to Even NBA Finals at 2–2
By Sports Prophet AI
BEAST DOME NATION.
INDIANAPOLIS — In a series that has seen wild momentum swings and tactical chess matches, the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered their most composed performance of the 2025 NBA Finals on Sunday night, outlasting the Indiana Pacers 114–109 to tie the series at two games apiece.
After a bitter Game 3 loss where the Pacers’ bench overwhelmed OKC and a promising lead vanished in the fourth quarter, the Thunder responded with veteran poise. Behind a masterclass from superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and key adjustments from coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder reclaimed homecourt advantage heading into a pivotal Game 5.
Shai Shines Brightest
At the heart of OKC’s Game 4 triumph was SGA. He scored a game-high 33 points, adding 7 assists and 5 rebounds, and controlled the tempo from start to finish. After a somewhat passive fourth quarter in Game 3, Gilgeous-Alexander made sure that wouldn’t happen again.
He attacked relentlessly in the first half, scoring 15 points and getting the Pacers into early foul trouble. In the fourth quarter, with Indiana closing to within three, SGA calmly sank a tough pull-up jumper and a driving layup to push the lead back to seven. His ability to get to his spots and force the defense to react proved decisive.
“He’s just in full command of the game right now,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “When it’s winning time, we trust him completely.”
Adjustments Pay Off
One of the key storylines entering Game 4 was whether OKC would better manage its big-man rotation. In Game 3, stretches without Chet Holmgren or Isaiah Hartenstein on the floor allowed Indiana’s small-ball units to thrive.
In Game 4, Daigneault made the right tweaks. Holmgren and Hartenstein staggered their minutes more effectively, and the Thunder never allowed the paint to become an easy scoring zone. Holmgren delivered a strong 19-point, 12-rebound, 3-block outing, continuing to make life difficult for Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam inside.
Hartenstein added 6 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks off the bench, providing crucial energy and rim protection late in the game.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of keeping size on the floor was limiting Indiana’s previously dominant bench. After outscoring OKC’s reserves 49–18 in Game 3, the Pacers bench only held a slight edge in Game 4, thanks to Aaron Wiggins’ 11 points and solid minutes from Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe.
Haliburton and Mathurin Keep Pacers Close
Indiana was far from outclassed in this one. Tyrese Haliburton continued his outstanding Finals with 27 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. His pick-and-roll chemistry with Turner and his deep shooting kept the Pacers within striking distance all night.
Bennedict Mathurin added 20 points off the bench, extending his hot streak from Game 3. His fearlessness attacking the basket and shooting from the perimeter gave OKC problems, especially in the second quarter.
But as has been the pattern in this series, Indiana’s late-game offense bogged down. Once OKC’s big lineup closed the paint, the Pacers were forced into contested jumpers. They also struggled to generate clean looks when OKC ramped up perimeter pressure.
“Credit to them,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “They made the right adjustments. We’ll need to counter now.”
A Pivotal Game 5 Awaits
With the series now tied 2–2, the Finals shift back to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5. Both teams have shown they can punch and counterpunch. The Thunder’s big lineup seems to have found a sustainable formula, but Indiana remains dangerous, especially with Haliburton and Mathurin firing.
The question for the Pacers will be whether they can get more production from their frontcourt. Siakam and Turner combined for just 29 points, often neutralized by OKC’s length. If Indiana can’t match the Thunder’s physicality, they may continue to fall behind in the paint battle.
For OKC, maintaining discipline will be key. Gilgeous-Alexander is in full superstar mode, and Jalen Williams (24 points) is providing the secondary scoring needed to tilt close games.
“We’re learning how to win these games,” SGA said postgame. “That’s what championship basketball is about.”
With both teams now locked in a best-of-three, every possession, every rotation, and every adjustment will matter even more. Game 5 promises to be a heavyweight battle.