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Rick Pitino Had Words Before Pacers-Thunder Game 4

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 2:18 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers play the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indiana is leading the series 2-1 following a 116-107 victory in Game 3. Furthermore, Wednesday's triumph was the Pacers' first finals win at home since 2000 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The series has lived up to its expectations of being focused on tough defense and superb execution, which has impressed a certain Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer from the Class of 2013.

“This game tonight will be so fascinating to watch,” St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino wrote posted Friday on X. “They loaded up on SGA, Thunder now have to spread and create cutting lanes to take help defense away.”

This game tonight will be so fascinating to watch. They loaded up on SGA, Thunder now have to spread and create cutting lanes to take help defense away. Indiana's game plans have been flawless. They will keep the heat on SGA and he will have to free up his teammates. Can't wait.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) June 13, 2025

Indiana’s game plan on Wednesday was focused on forcing turnovers to stop the Thunder from going on a scoring run. Ultimately, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with six turnovers, while Jalen Williams had four.

SGA's 24 points and Williams' 26 were not enough to overcome the Pacers' defensive pressure. Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton recorded two steals, while veteran guard T.J. McConnell stole the ball five times in 15 minutes off the bench.

“Indiana’s game plans have been flawless,” Pitino added. “They will keep the heat on SGA, and he will have to free up his teammates.”

Tipoff for Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday on ABC.

“Can’t wait,” Pitino concluded.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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