Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance, scoring 35 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of their playoff series. It was their biggest win of the season, as the Thunder overcame a 10-point second-half deficit to pull off their stunning victory. Their resilience and fighting spirit on the court really shined through.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional showing included a remarkable surge in the final moments of the game, where he scored 15 points within the last 4:38. That late-game explosion proved key to locking up the victory. The Thunder used his scoring genius to win games that they had no business winning. Notably, this game marked the first time this season that Gilgeous-Alexander played without recording any assists, highlighting his focus on scoring during this crucial matchup.
The match played out at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The fans enjoyed an incredible experience as their team fought in a gritty series to tie things up at two games a piece. With the stakes high, Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the importance of the game, stating, “We knew it when we woke up this morning: 3-1 is a lot different than 2-2 going back home.” His words expressed the sense of urgency that the Thunder were feeling as they were trying to turn the momentum in their direction.
Head coach Mark Daigneault – high on Gilgeous-Alexander – was positive about the emergence of Gilgeous-Alexander as a leader on the court. He really established his identity tonight,” Daigneault said, while noting the importance of Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact in all four quarters.
The Pacers had been dictating the action for much of the evening, using a dominant first half to create a comfortable cushion. It was the Thunder’s defensive adjustments and unyielding determination that prevailed. Indiana’s head coach Rick Carlisle commented on the ebb and flow of playoff basketball, stating, “This kind of a challenge is going to have extreme highs and extreme lows.” His praise for both teams highlighted just how fiercely competitive this battle has been over the years.
When the game came down to the last stretches, Oklahoma City started playing much more aggressively defensively. They consistently suffocated Indiana’s offensive looks. This strategy proved successful, as they were able to chip the lead down and eventually pass the Pacers. Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring burst not only exemplified his skill but galvanized his teammates, contributing to a collective effort that proved pivotal in securing the win.
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