The 2025 NBA Finals have delivered all the drama we hoped for, and now we head into a critical Game 5 with the series knotted at 2-2. The Oklahoma City Thunder stole momentum back with a come-from-behind victory in Game 4, but the Indiana Pacers won’t go down without a fight.
Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder take control at home? Or can Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers regain their early-series magic? Let’s break it all down.
Game 4 Recap: How We Got Here
The Pacers were eight minutes away from taking a commanding 3-1 series lead—until the Thunder flipped the script.
What Went Right for OKC?
✔ SGA’s MVP Moment – 35 points, 15 in the 4th quarter, and perfect 10/10 from the line. When OKC needed buckets, he delivered.
✔ Jalen Williams’ Clutch Gene – 27 points on 11/11 free throws—ice in his veins.
✔ Alex Caruso’s Two-Way Impact – 20 points, 5 steals, and championship-level defense. His offense has been a major X-factor.
✔ Lockdown Defense Late – Held Indy to just 17 points in the 4th, proving why they’re the NBA’s best defensive team.
Where Did the Pacers Falter?
✔ Fourth-Quarter Collapse – After dominating late in Games 1-3, they went stagnant in Game 4.
✔ Haliburton & Siakam Too Passive – Combined for just 36 points—not enough against OKC’s firepower.
✔ Defensive Lapses – Let Caruso and Williams get way too comfortable.
Game 5 Keys to Victory
For the Thunder: Keep the Foot on the Gas
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SGA & J-Dub Must Stay Aggressive – If both stars score 25+ again, the Pacers can’t keep up.
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Chet Holmgren’s Health – He played through an ankle tweak in Game 4. If he’s limited, OKC’s rim protection takes a hit.
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Home Crowd Energy – The Paycom Center will be deafening. A fast start could bury Indiana early.
For the Pacers: Fix the Late-Game Execution
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Haliburton MUST Attack – No more passive playmaking—he needs 25+ points and 10+ assists.
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Pascal Siakam’s Mid-Range Game – He’s been too quiet—needs to exploit mismatches.
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Push the Pace – When they run, they’re deadly. Slowing down plays into OKC’s hands.
Prediction: Thunder Take Control
The Thunder have all the momentum, the best player in the series (SGA), and the NBA’s top defense. The Pacers will fight hard, but OKC’s depth and home crowd should be the difference.
Final Score Projection: Thunder 112 - 103 Pacers