The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals to tie the series at two games apiece. Many were shocked that Thunder trailed in this series after being such overwhelming favorites before the start of the series.
However, the Thunder didn't win running away. The game was close throughout, and it took a 12-1 run by the Thunder to secure the win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed once again why he's the Most Valuable Player award winner, scoring 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter.
Following the game, Charles Barkley didn't hold back when it came to his thoughts on Game 4.
"They gave it away. Shai brought this thing home," Barkley said. "I have no idea what the Pacers are doing on the offensive end. Me and Grant [Hill] were going crazy, like, get the ball to [Pascal] Siakam. He's your best 1-on-1 player.
"We can say all we want to about Oklahoma City- the Pacers blew this game. This game is going to hurt the Pacers because they had this game under control. They were playing well."
"We can say all we want to about Oklahoma City- the Pacers blew this game."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 14, 2025
Charles Barkley reacts to the Thunder beating the Pacers in Game 4. ️#NBA #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/4RwRHwn2SA
In the NBA Finals you take wins however you can get them. The Thunder saw something they liked and continued to pursue it down the stretch. Instead of going at Andrew Nembhard, who has proven to be a pesky defender, they targeted Aaron Nesmith, where Gilgeous-Alexander found success time and time again.
By pulling out the Game 4 win, the Thunder once again have homecourt advantage in two of the next three games if the series goes seven games. The Thunder will look to take their first series lead when the two meet for Game 5 on Monday.
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