Jan 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley in attendance at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley Makes Blunt Statement After Thunder-Pacers Game

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 1:32 AM ET

On Friday night, the Indiana Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder (at home) by a score of 111-104.

With the loss, the series is now tied up at 2-2 with Game 5 back in Oklahoma City on Monday night.

Following the loss, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkely made his feelings clear about the remainder of the series.

Barkley (via NBA TV): "I think they're in trouble. When you have a team on the ropes, you have to finish them off. If you go up 3-1, you're in great shape... They're going back to Oklahoma City. I think this series is a wrap. I thought tonight was a big deal for both teams."

"I think this series is a wrap." pic.twitter.com/G1ErbxpjGE
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 14, 2025

Barkley makes a good point, as the Pacers had a legitimate chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead.

Instead of the Pacers being in the driver's seat, the Thunder can now take a 3-2 lead on their home floor.

Via Rachel Nichols: "Not as dramatic as the Pacers stealing Game 1 with .3 seconds remaining, but this was a nails closing kick from the Thunder, 12-1 run in the final 3 minutes. The NBA Finals are basically beginning all over again - tied up and heading back to OKC."

Not as dramatic as the Pacers stealing Game 1 with .3 seconds remaining, but this was a nails closing kick from the Thunder, 12-1 run in the final 3 minutes. The NBA Finals are basically beginning all over again - tied up and heading back to OKC.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 14, 2025

Alex Caruso played a major (role off the bench) for the Thunder.

He finished with 20 points, three rebounds, five steals and one block while shooting 7/9 from the field and 1/2 from the three-point range in 30 minutes of playing time.

Via NBA on ESPN: "Welcome to the Carushow

Alex Caruso becomes the first player in NBA history to have two 20-point games in an NBA Finals after having ZERO in the regular season"

Welcome to the Carushow

Alex Caruso becomes the first player in NBA history to have two 20-point games in an NBA Finals after having ZERO in the regular season pic.twitter.com/TABdgwlmvL
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 14, 2025

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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