The Oklahoma City Thunder were on the verge of falling behind 3-1 in their NBA Finals series against the Indiana Pacers, but league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander changed the course of the game with a remarkable performance. During a crucial stretch, Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine consecutive points and gave the Thunder their first lead of the second half at 104-103 with just over two minutes remaining.
Oklahoma City held on to that lead, preventing the Pacers from gaining a 3-1 advantage and extending the series to a minimum of six games. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points and no assists, creating a rare stat line that has not been seen in the NBA Finals for over 60 years. This shai gilgeous–alexander historic 35-point NBA Finals performance has placed him alongside some of the game’s greatest players in history.
Statistical Feat Mirrors Rare NBA Finals Records from the 1960s and 1940s
This remarkable game by Gilgeous-Alexander echoes a similar performance only previously recorded by Jerry West, a 14-time All-Star from the Los Angeles Lakers. Back in the 1962 NBA Finals, West scored 35 points without logging any assists, a feat matched by Joe Fulks of the Philadelphia Warriors in 1947. Such a stat line is exceedingly uncommon in championship games.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s zero-assist night also highlights the strength of the Pacers’ defense. The Indiana team limited the Thunder to just 11 assists as a whole, showcasing the intense pressure on Oklahoma City’s offense. Despite the lack of assists, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring reputation remains strong, as he had not experienced a game without an assist since 2020.
Securing the win was the ultimate priority for Gilgeous-Alexander. His clutch performance in the fourth quarter was one of the most vital in his career, reaffirming his status as a leader and adding his name to some legendary NBA Finals performances. By pushing the series to even terms at 2-2, the Thunder have kept their hopes alive for the championship.
Clutch Fourth Quarter Display Turns Momentum in Thunder’s Favor
Late in the game, the Pacers seemed ready to take control of the series with a 3-1 lead. The Thunder were trailing 80-87 heading into the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City’s offense had struggled for most of the night, and Gilgeous-Alexander had only made one basket in the previous game’s fourth quarter. Despite these challenges, the MVP rallied the team with his aggressive and decisive play.
I just tried to be aggressive,
Gilgeous-Alexander said about his final-quarter push.
I knew what it would have looked like if we lost tonight. I didn’t want to go out not swinging. I didn’t want to go out not doing everything I could do in my power, in my control to try to win the game.
—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, League MVP
He also reflected on his mindset during pressure moments:
I relish those moments, love the moments, good or bad. When I was a kid shooting at my driveway, I’d count down the clock for those moments. Now I get to live it.
—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, League MVP
Next Steps: Thunder Aim to Capitalize on Home Court Advantage
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance demonstrates his ability to thrive under pressure and lead his team when it matters most. While the absence of assists may seem unusual for such a commanding game, the outstanding scoring output was enough to secure a crucial win. Oklahoma City will now prepare to defend their home court as the Indiana Pacers visit for the upcoming matchup on Monday night, where the Thunder will look to gain the upper hand in this closely contested NBA Finals series.