OKC Thunder rally to beat Indiana Pacers, level NBA Finals at 2-2

INDIANAPOLIS – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said that it was a “dogfight” as his Oklahoma City Thunder side rallied for a gritty 111-104 road victory over the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals on June 13.

The point guard scored 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, helping his team level the best-of-seven series at two games apiece.

Frustrated for much of the game by Indiana’s relentless defence, NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander found a way to fight through.

He followed a three-pointer with a pull-up jumper to give the Thunder their first lead since the first half with 2min 23sec remaining.

They did not trail again, with their star man adding six free throws in the final 44 seconds.

“It’s a dogfight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after another intense, physical battle between the two teams.

“Every time you step on the floor, on both ends of the floor they make you work.”

Jalen Williams added 27 points, Chet Holmgren added 14 points and 15 rebounds and Alex Caruso chipped in 20 points off the bench for the Thunder.

Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 20 points, while also contributing eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Tyrese Haliburton scored 18 points, while Obi Toppin added 17 off the bench, helping the Pacers build a 10-point lead late in the third quarter.

But Oklahoma City – who have yet to lose back-to-back games in the play-offs – clamped down defensively in the fourth, determined not to fall into a 3-1 hole.

“We knew it when we woke up this morning – 3-1 is a lot different than 2-2 going back home,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “We played with desperation to the end the game and that’s why we won.”

He also said the Thunder must “maintain the same desperation” when they host Game 5 on June 16.

One aspect which they must improve is their three-point shooting.

Oklahoma City were 34 of 38 (89.5 per cent) at the line but were just three of 16 (18.8 per cent) on three-point tries. This was the first game all season – regular season or play-offs – in which the Thunder hit fewer than seven three-pointers.

Meanwhile, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle did not hide his disappointment after the loss. “An inability to get key rebounds, an inability to get stops was part of it, and we got stagnant,” he said.

“But give them credit. They kept attacking, kept attacking, and their defence was great down the stretch. This was a big disappointment. But there’s three games left.”

In other news, the NBA and WNBA have agreed in principle to terms for a multi-year global partnership expansion with the 2K video game, the leagues announced on June 13. Also, 2K agreed in principle to terms to extend its relationships with the NBA G League and USA Basketball.

“NBA 2K has engaged a new generation of basketball fans in an increasingly digital world,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“By expanding our partnership and creating NBA Take-Two Media, we look forward to building on the incredible success of the NBA 2K franchise.” AFP, REUTERS

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