Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2025, delivered a rollercoaster of emotions and electrifying basketball action as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Indiana Pacers 111-104 to tie the series at two games apiece. The night was marked by intense competition, a pivotal scuffle between former Knicks teammates, and a spectacular fourth-quarter performance from the Thunder’s star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
From the outset, the Pacers looked sharp and determined. Indiana came out firing, scoring 20 points in the first 4:59 of the game, an early offensive explosion that only happened once before this season against the Thunder. They took an early lead of up to nine points, fueled by sharp shooting and aggressive play. Andrew Nembhard’s three-pointer pushed the Pacers ahead 20-12, forcing Oklahoma City to call a timeout to regroup.
Obi Toppin, the energetic forward for Indiana, was a key figure throughout the night. Known for his athleticism and clutch plays, Toppin electrified the home crowd with three powerful dunks and consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter, moments that helped Indiana build an 80-72 lead. Yet, it was also Toppin who found himself in the middle of a heated incident that underscored the rising tension of this Finals series.
Midway through the second quarter, Toppin committed a hard foul on Thunder guard Alex Caruso. Caruso had stolen the ball and was driving for an easy layup when Toppin chased him down and delivered a forceful, shoulder-lowering foul that knocked Caruso to the ground. The referees reviewed the play and upgraded Toppin’s penalty to a Flagrant 1 foul. The incident sparked a confrontation with Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, who rushed over and shoved Toppin, leading to a shoving match between the two. Both players were assessed technical fouls after the review.
This altercation was more than just a moment of frustration; it was a clash between two former Knicks teammates. Toppin and Hartenstein shared the court during the 2022-23 season with New York, before Toppin was traded to Indiana and Hartenstein signed a lucrative three-year, $87 million deal with the Thunder. Hartenstein had spoken positively about his move, emphasizing that it was a good fit for both him and the Knicks, and that his role with Oklahoma City allowed him more offensive involvement.
Despite the tension, both players continued to contribute on the court. Toppin finished with 17 points and seven assists, while Hartenstein added two points, six rebounds, and two assists. The physicality of the game and the emotional charge from the scuffle seemed to fuel the intensity on both sides as the game progressed.
While the Pacers held a slim 60-57 lead at halftime after closing the half on a 15-6 run, the Thunder began to find their rhythm in the third quarter. However, Oklahoma City’s offense struggled with spacing and shooting, connecting on only three of 16 attempts from beyond the arc throughout the game, a season-low mark for the team. Still, Jalen Williams stepped up, pouring in 27 points and keeping the Thunder within striking distance.
The Pacers stretched their advantage to as much as 10 points in the third quarter, with Pascal Siakam scoring 20 points and Tyrese Haliburton contributing 18 points and seven assists. Yet, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s 26-year-old MVP, was unusually quiet for much of the game, failing to register any assists and appearing passive at times.
But as the fourth quarter began, Gilgeous-Alexander flipped the switch. He scored 15 of his team-high 35 points in the final period, including an incredible 13 points in the last 3 minutes and 34 seconds, a heroic effort that turned the tide. His step-back jumper with 2:23 left in the game gave the Thunder their first lead of the second half at 104-103, a lead they would not relinquish. The Thunder’s defense clamped down, holding the Pacers to just one point in the final 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his star’s resilience, saying, "He was laboring. We had a hard time shaking him free. For him to be able to flip the switch like that and get the rhythm he got just speaks to how great of a player he is." Daigneault also described the win as a "blood and guts" effort, highlighting the team’s will to fight back from a seven-point deficit entering the fourth quarter.
Supporting Gilgeous-Alexander’s efforts were Alex Caruso, who scored 20 points, and Chet Holmgren, who posted a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Holmgren emphasized the team’s unity, stating, "No matter what happens, good or bad, pretty or ugly, we're always going to stick together. We're going to win together, we're going to lose together, we're going to have great moments together, we're going to fail together. No matter what happens, we're going to do it together."
This victory was crucial for the Thunder, not only leveling the series but also reclaiming home-court advantage heading into Game 5, scheduled for Monday night in Oklahoma City. Historically, teams that take a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals have an overwhelming chance of winning the championship, with 37 wins in 38 past opportunities. The Thunder’s win kept their hopes alive and shifted momentum heading into the critical next game.
For the Pacers, the loss was a tough blow after showing great promise and energy. Obi Toppin’s aggressive play and highlight-reel dunks kept the crowd engaged, but the team faltered down the stretch, unable to contain Gilgeous-Alexander’s late surge.
As the series now stands tied, all eyes will be on Game 5 in Oklahoma City. The intensity, physicality, and star power displayed in Game 4 have set the stage for a thrilling continuation of this NBA Finals showdown.
