Game 4: Pacers Aim for Commanding 3-1 Lead Against Thunder

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in a critical Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers currently lead the series 2-1 after a dominant performance in Game 3.

Last game, Indiana secured a 116-107 victory, fueled by a remarkable fourth-quarter rally where they outscored the Thunder 32-18. This victory saw the Pacers’ bench outscore OKC’s backup unit 49-18, marking a significant trend in these Finals where bench production has played a pivotal role.

“There’s no need to get super giddy or excited,” said Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”

The stakes for Game 4 are high: if the Pacers win, they will be up 3-1, putting them in a commanding position to claim their first NBA title. Historically, teams leading 3-1 in the Finals go on to win the championship 97% of the time, based on Finals history. The Thunder, however, are looking to square the series at 2-2 and regain momentum before heading back home.

Oklahoma City is determined to capitalize on their previous successes this postseason, having overcome a 2-1 deficit earlier in the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the need for improvement after Game 3. “All their team, their players just outplayed us, outcoached us, out-everything last night,” he stated.

One area of concern for the Thunder has been their struggles in clutch situations. Throughout the playoffs, the Thunder have recorded more losses in close games than in the regular season, where they ranked last in clutch-time minutes. This postseason, they hold a record of 5-4 in tight games.

Meanwhile, the Pacers thrive in high-pressure moments, boasting a 9-1 record in close matchups during the playoffs. Haliburton’s late-game performances have been critical, reinforcing his reputation as a go-to player in tight situations.

As the teams prepare, the Thunder will focus on improving their offensive execution and limiting turnovers, as they committed 19 in Game 3. Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aims to bounce back from a lackluster fourth quarter, hoping to lead his team with aggression.

The context of tonight’s game is amplified by the energy of Indiana’s crowd, eager to push their team closer to a championship. “Getting a mindset that you’re not going to get tired is key,” said Pacers forward T.J. McConnell. “It’s what you worked the whole season for.”

This highly anticipated matchup tips off at 8:30 PM ET. The outcome could be pivotal for both teams, setting the tone for the remainder of the Finals.