The Indiana Pacers missed a crucial chance to go up 3-1 in the 2025 NBA Finals on Friday night at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After building a 10-point lead in the third quarter, the Pacers ultimately fell 111-104 as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams led the Thunder’s comeback in Indianapolis.
This loss tied the championship series at 2-2, handing momentum back to the Thunder as the teams prepare for Game 5 in Oklahoma City.
Key Moments During the Third Quarter Shifted the Game Momentum
The tightly contested game was even at 10:28 in the third quarter before the Pacers sparked a 7-2 run, forcing an Oklahoma City timeout. Despite this effort, the Thunder rallied back with back-to-back three-pointers from Obi Toppin, prompting another timeout for the visitors.
Indiana briefly extended its lead to 10 points—marking the largest advantage in the series so far according to the ABC broadcast—but the Thunder responded with a surge fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander, who helped erase the deficit and set up the dramatic finish.
Haliburton’s Performance Falls Short Amid Mistakes and Missed Opportunities
Tyrese Haliburton put up 18 points and seven assists but also committed a team-high five turnovers, frustrating fans who hoped for a clutch game from the star guard. Despite his efforts to push the Pacers back ahead by four points with 3:20 remaining, the team could not maintain the lead.
The Thunder answered with a decisive 9-0 run, during which Gilgeous-Alexander hit a jump shot to seize the lead with just over two minutes left. The reigning NBA MVP then drew multiple fouls to secure the victory for Oklahoma City.
“Fans were disappointed that Tyrese Haliburton was unable to lead the Pacers within a single win of the franchise’s first NBA title.” —Attributed Commentator
“Fans were particularly disappointed that Haliburton, who recorded 18 points and seven assists but also committed a team-high five turnovers, was unable to come up with his signature game-saving shot in the clutch.” —Sports Analyst
Looking Ahead: Pacers Face Pressure to Regain Control in Game 5
Instead of inching closer to their first NBA championship, the Pacers now trail and must prepare for a critical Game 5 on Monday night at 8:30 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City. The defeat marks Indiana’s first back-to-back losses since early March of the regular season, highlighting the challenge ahead.
The Pacers will need to overcome the frustration of Friday’s collapse and find a way to regain home-court advantage in what could be a pivotal moment in the series. The Thunder, energized by their comeback win, will seek to leverage their momentum on their home floor.
With the series tied, each team’s ability to adjust and capitalize on their strengths will be crucial as the 2025 NBA Finals continue to unfold.