Pacers vs Thunder: NBA Finals Game Four Preview
The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder clash again this Saturday in Game Four of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with the Pacers leading the series 2-1 after a pivotal 116-107 victory on Thursday.
The Pacers capitalized on home advantage, showcasing resilience by coming back from a five-point deficit entering the final quarter. Bennedict Mathurin shone with a game-high 27 points, while Tyrese Haliburton was a near triple-double threat with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. Historically, teams winning Game Three in a tied finals series have claimed the championship 80% of the time, giving Indiana an optimistic outlook.
Conversely, the Thunder, who have struggled to maintain momentum, face a critical challenge. Head coach Mark Daigneault’s squad, despite strong performances from Jalen Williams (26 points), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24 points), and Chet Holmgren (20 points), crumbled in the fourth quarter, yielding a 14-point deficit that sealed their fate. The Thunder have been resilient, never losing consecutive games in the playoffs, yet their away record remains shaky with only two wins in the last six games.
In terms of team news, the Pacers will be without Isaiah Jackson due to a calf issue, and Myles Turner’s status remains uncertain after playing through illness. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will aim to improve after a subpar fourth-quarter performance in Game Three.
The match is critical for Oklahoma City, who cannot afford to go down 3-1, as such deficits have proven difficult to overcome in the playoffs. Predictions lean towards the Thunder rebounding with a victory to level the series before heading back home.
Upcoming Lineups:
- Pacers: Haliburton, Nembhard; Nesmith, Siakam; Turner
- Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort; Wallace, Williams; Holmgren
Tip-off is set for Saturday as both teams vie for a crucial win in the quest for NBA glory.
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