Continuous mistakes + no free throws, the Pacers suffered a double-digit reversal, the key ball was not stable

The NBA 2024-25 finals G4 continues to be staged in full swing. Although the popularity is overwhelmed by Durant's trade, to be fair, in terms of competitive level, it is worthy of being a finals level competition. The Indiana Pacers, who are at home Gambrigi Stadium, are only one step away from their first NBA championship point in their team history. Unfortunately, they finally passed by the victory of G4 and could only watch OKC rewrite the big score to 2-2. The Pacers also have to sort out their mood and go to the away game to meet the challenge of the Battle of Tianwang Mountain.

With Obi Topin's magical performance at both ends of the offense and defense in the third quarter, the Pacers once widened the score difference to double digits, while the Thunder's outside line has not opened for a long time. All signs indicate that the victory balance has turned to the home team. But in the final quarter, the situation on the field changed by 180 degrees, and the Oklahoma City Thunder scored a 31-17 offensive climax in the fourth quarter. Alexander withstood the pressure and scored 15 points in a single quarter. On the Pacers, Siakam, who scored 20 points in the first three quarters, only had one mobile phone chance in the fourth quarter, forming a sharp contrast between the two teams.

Even if the situation suddenly changes after the final quarter, the Pacers still have the chance to save the fruits of victory at the last moment. After all, since the start of the playoffs, they are the best at laughing to the end in key games with a score difference of less than 5 points in the last 5 minutes. Perhaps it was because the series achieved such a big lead in the first three quarters for the first time, some Pacers who wanted to keep their true intentions were lost. They made consecutive mistakes, were hit by the Thunder, and made consecutive missed fouls, and sent SGA to the free throw line. Especially Matherine, who left Smith on the court instead of six fouls, missed three consecutive free throws, shattering the only remaining hope.

Of course, it is obviously unfair to blame Matherine, who only played for less than 14 minutes in the game. Whether it is the first half penalty standard that all major commentators questioned, or the sudden on-field short circuit that the Pacers suddenly appeared in the final quarter, allowing the Thunder to seize the opportunity, these are all part of the game. The Pacers' 9 wins and 1 loss, and the league's unique key ball myth has also been shattered. They have to calm down and set off again.

As Artest said in tears during the live broadcast, if the Pacers can win the championship this year, it can wash away his guilt for 20 years. What is placed in front of the Pacers today is not about who is worried about the fault, but looking forward and continuing to challenge the powerful OKC as a "lower dog". Can Siakam get the disappearing ball right back? Can Obi Topin continue the good form of the G4? Halliburton got the first free throw in the finals. As the saying goes, one is two. Can he continue to perform his magic? Let's wait and see.