Throughout most of the game against the Indiana Pacers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander found himself heavily guarded. The Pacers’ defense, robust and physical, had been successful in limiting his play by pushing him towards midrange shots and keeping him away from the free throw line. By the end of the third quarter, he had scored 20 points and was at a -16.
However, the tide turned in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander, driven by determination, added 15 points by breaking through the Pacers’ defense to reach the rim and overpowering his opponents. With just two and a half minutes remaining, he scored a crucial 15-foot jumper after bouncing off defender Aaron Nesmith, putting the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead for the first time in the second half. This lead was maintained till the end, clinching a 111-104 victory in Game 4.
“It’s incredible,” remarked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “His ability to switch gears and find his rhythm is a testament to his greatness.”
This postseason has been a showcase of Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional skills. With standout performances like a 35-point game in the conference semifinals against Denver and a 40-point game versus Minnesota in the conference finals, he has been pivotal. His 72 points across the first two games of the Finals set a record for the highest score in a player’s first two Finals games.
Facing a 2-1 deficit on Friday, the stakes were high. Only once before had a team, the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers led by LeBron James, overturned a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals. “We knew it was a must-win game when we woke up this morning,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. A loss would have diminished their impressive season achievements, including 68 wins and a tough run through the Western Conference.
Despite a challenging start, with the Thunder shooting only 44.3% from the field and a mere 14.3% from three-point range, Gilgeous-Alexander refused to let the game slip away. Indiana had outscored them by 27 points from beyond the arc, and their lead had grown to ten in the third quarter. Yet, the Thunder narrowed the gap early in the fourth, sparked by a six-point run from Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander then took command, scoring through various plays and making eight free throws, finishing the game with 35 points on 50% shooting.
“I knew the consequences if we lost tonight,” he admitted. “I wasn’t going down without a fight.”
Despite the early struggles, his resilience wasn’t surprising to his teammates. “Whether it’s a preseason game or Game 4 of the NBA Finals, he’s the same,” said teammate Alex Caruso. Coach Daigneault added, “You wouldn’t know if he’s winning or losing, whether it’s a game or just a regular dinner. He’s always focused.”
“I immerse myself in the competition,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “I focus on how I can help the team on every single play.”
Growing up in Hamilton, Canada, Gilgeous-Alexander honed his skills on a makeshift court built by his father atop a vacant garage. His summer days were spent practicing moves he learned from watching legends like Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade on YouTube. These moments, whether in imagined or real games, are what he cherishes.
In Game 4, he wasn’t alone. Jalen Williams, another standout from the 2022 draft, played a crucial role. Known as a wild card for the Thunder’s success, Williams excelled throughout the playoffs and delivered his most complete performance of the Finals on Friday, scoring 27 points.
“The Finals push you to perform at your best,” Williams said. “I focus on stepping up to the moment, regardless of the outcome.”
Alex Caruso, acquired last summer in a trade for Josh Giddey, has proved to be a perfect fit for the Thunder. His defensive prowess was instrumental in their Finals run, and his 20 points off the bench in Game 4 were crucial.
Chet Holmgren also shone in Game 4, scoring 14 points and grabbing 15 rebounds after being moved back to his more natural power forward position.
As the series returns to Oklahoma for a pivotal Game 5, Gilgeous-Alexander is ready. “These are the moments I live for,” he said, aware of the high stakes. With the series tied 2-2, the upcoming game is critical. Although the Pacers remain strong contenders, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance in Game 4 has reaffirmed his status as the series’ top player.
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