Thunder Trail Pacers 2-1 in NBA Finals with Game 4 Crucial

The Oklahoma City Thunder currently trail the Indiana Pacers 2-1 in the 2025 NBA Finals, with Game 4 being a pivotal matchup that could either bring the Pacers closer to the championship or extend the series. The Thunder's star guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has been a key scorer but showed signs of fatigue and struggled against the Pacers' intense defensive pressure in Game 3, which Indiana won by outlasting and outworking Oklahoma City. Indiana's balanced attack and superior conditioning, highlighted by contributions from multiple players including Andrew Nembhard, have challenged the Thunder's efforts, particularly in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the need for the team to push through adversity and maintain focus as the series progresses. Meanwhile, analysis suggests that the Thunder may require more support beyond their leading players to overcome the Pacers' defensive strategies and energy. The upcoming games, including Game 4 and potentially Game 5 in Oklahoma City, will be crucial in determining the outcome of the finals.