Shai Gilgeous-Alexander described it as a “dog fight” after powering the Oklahoma City Thunder to a hard-fought 111-104 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers on June 13, leveling the NBA Finals at 2-2.
The league MVP scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter, including a clutch three-pointer and pull-up jumper to give the Thunder their first lead since the first half with just over two minutes left. He then calmly sank six free throws in the final 44 seconds to seal the win.
“Every time you step on the floor, on both ends, they make you work,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “We knew waking up this morning that 3-1 is a lot different than 2-2 going home. We played with desperation, and that’s why we won.”
Jalen Williams chipped in 27 points, rookie center Chet Holmgren added 14 points and 15 rebounds, while Alex Caruso scored 20 off the bench as OKC held Indiana scoreless down the stretch.
Despite a strong showing from Pascal Siakam (20 points, eight rebounds, five assists, five steals), and key contributions from Tyrese Haliburton (18 points) and Obi Toppin (17 points), the Pacers were outscored 30-17 in the final quarter. Indiana had led by 10 late in the third, but couldn’t hold off the Thunder’s late surge.
OKC’s three-point shooting remained a concern, going just 3-for-17 (17.6%) from deep, though they were impressive at the line, hitting 34 of 38 free throws (89.5%). The Thunder have not made fewer than seven threes in any game all season or playoffs before this.
“This was a big disappointment,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “We couldn’t get key rebounds or stops. We got stagnant, and give them credit — they kept attacking and defended well at the end. But it’s a long series. There are still three games left.”
Game 5 is set for June 16 in Oklahoma City, with Gilgeous-Alexander calling on his team to maintain the same urgency.
Meanwhile, off the court, the NBA and WNBA announced a major global partnership expansion with the NBA 2K video game series. The deal includes extended agreements with the NBA G League and USA Basketball.
“NBA 2K has engaged a new generation of basketball fans,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “With the formation of NBA Take-Two Media, we’re excited to build on the incredible success of the franchise.”
