The 2025 NBA Finals are down to a best-of-three series as the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers are tied 2-2. The Thunder demonstrated their resilience with a 111-104 victory in Game 4 on Friday night in Indianapolis, setting the stage for a crucial Game 5 in Oklahoma City on Monday, June 16th.
Oklahoma City, the Western Conference champions, entered the series as the favorites after a dominant regular season, during which they secured the top spot in the league with 68 wins. Their journey to the Finals included dispatching the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games during the Western Conference Finals. Led by MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are aiming for their first NBA title since 1979 when the team was based in Seattle and known as the SuperSonics.
Indiana, representing the Eastern Conference, reached the Finals for the first time since 2000, overcoming the New York Knicks in six games. The Pacers, spearheaded by Tyrese Haliburton, have showcased their tenacity throughout the playoffs, demonstrating a knack for unlikely comebacks and high offensive efficiency.
The series has been a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading wins. Indiana took Game 1 in Oklahoma City with a narrow 111-110 victory, proving their ability to compete on the Thunder's home court. Oklahoma City responded in Game 2 with a decisive 123-107 win to even the series. The Pacers then defended their home court in Game 3, securing a 116-107 victory, fueled by Bennedict Mathurin's impressive 27 points off the bench.
Game 4 saw Oklahoma City facing a 10-point deficit in the third quarter before Gilgeous-Alexander took charge in the final frame, leading a remarkable comeback. Gilgeous-Alexander, despite a slow start, finished with a game-high 35 points, including nine consecutive points that gave the Thunder their first lead of the second half. His performance underscored his MVP caliber and ability to take over games when it matters most.
The Thunder's Game 4 win was a combination of factors. They shot 47.4% from the field and dominated the boards with a 43-33 rebounding advantage. They also capitalized on 15 Pacers turnovers and made 34 of their 38 free-throw attempts. This victory allowed the Thunder to reclaim home-court advantage.
Looking ahead to Game 5, all eyes will be on Gilgeous-Alexander and Haliburton. Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to penetrate the defense and score from various spots on the floor makes him a constant threat. Haliburton, known for his playmaking and scoring ability, will need to minimize turnovers and find ways to involve his teammates effectively.
Beyond the star players, the contributions of role players will be crucial. For the Thunder, Chet Holmgren's rim protection and Alex Caruso's defensive presence will be vital. The Pacers will rely on players like Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Myles Turner to provide scoring and rebounding support.
As the series shifts back to Oklahoma City, the atmosphere at Paycom Center is expected to be electric. With the series tied, both teams understand the importance of Game 5. The winner will gain a significant advantage and move one step closer to claiming the NBA title.
