The Oklahoma City Thunder achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the NBA Finals, characterized by an impressive consistency throughout the season, with their longest losing streak being just two games. In Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers, the Thunder faced a significant challenge, as the Pacers were close to taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. However, the Thunder turned the tide by dominating the late stages of the game, winning 111-104 and leveling the series at 2-2.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised the team’s resilience after overcoming a previous loss. The Pacers, known for their clutch performance, struggled in the fourth quarter, scoring only five points in the final minutes while failing to make any three-pointer attempts. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s star and NBA MVP, bounced back from a difficult start to score 35 points, leading his team to victory. Fellow players Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren contributed significantly, demonstrating the team’s depth.
The Thunder’s victory came despite their poor three-point shooting, making only three shots from beyond the arc. Instead, they succeeded by capitalizing on free-throw opportunities, outperforming the Pacers in that aspect. Indiana’s coach Rick Carlisle pointed to critical rebounding and defensive issues that contributed to their loss.
Prior to the game, the Thunder adjusted their lineup, reinserting center Isaiah Hartenstein, although the initial strategy faced setbacks due to Holmgren’s injury. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander not performing at his usual level in the early game, contributions from reserves, particularly Alex Caruso, were crucial. Ultimately, Oklahoma City took control in the final minutes and secured the win, setting up an exciting Game 5.
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