Oklahoma City Thunder Even NBA Finals At 2 With Gilgeous-Alexander's Performance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in the Oklahoma City Thunder's comeback victory over the Indiana Pacers, scoring 15 of his 35 points in the final quarter. The Thunder overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half to win 111-104, tying the NBA Finals at two games each. Jalen Williams contributed 27 points, Alex Caruso added 20, and Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

The Thunder managed this win despite making only three three-pointers, their lowest for the season, and without any assists from Gilgeous-Alexander for the first time this year. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin scored 18 and 17 points respectively. Game 5 is set for Monday night in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will have home-court advantage.

The Thunder's victory was crucial as they avoided falling into a daunting 3-1 series deficit. Historically, teams leading by that margin have won the championship in all but one of 38 instances. The Pacers seemed poised to join those ranks before Oklahoma City turned the tide just in time. Gilgeous-Alexander played a pivotal role down the stretch, scoring nine consecutive points to help secure the win.

Indiana started strong, amassing 20 points within the first five minutes—a rare occurrence against Oklahoma City this season. They held an early nine-point lead but couldn't maintain it. The game saw its first physical altercations when Obi Toppin received a Flagrant 1 foul on Alex Caruso during the second quarter. Later, Lu Dort returned the favour with another Flagrant 1 on Toppin just before halftime.

The Pacers ended the first half with a narrow lead of 60-57 after a late surge. Toppin's baseline dunk towards the end of the third quarter extended Indiana's lead to ten points—their largest of this series so far. However, Oklahoma City responded with a decisive 13-3 run early in the fourth quarter to level the score at 89.

Gilgeous-Alexander's step-back jumper with just over two minutes left gave Oklahoma City their first lead of the second half at 104-103. They maintained control for the remainder of the game to secure their victory.

This win not only ties up the series but also revives Oklahoma City's hopes for an NBA title. With home-court advantage back in their favour, they are well-positioned for Game 5 against Indiana.