Haliburton Urges Pacers to Sharpen Ball Movement After Loss

Indianapolis: In a captivating Game Four of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame the Indiana Pacers with a 111-104 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, leveling the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone brightly for the Thunder, amassing 35 points and securing three rebounds.

His pivotal performance in the fourth quarter, where the Thunder outscored the Pacers 31-17, was instrumental in sealing the win after trailing for much of the contest.

Reflecting on his contribution, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized his aggressive approach, acknowledging the potential criticism had they lost.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s Quote:

“I just tried to be aggressive. I knew what it would’ve looked like if we lost tonight. I didn’t want to go down not swinging.”

The Pacers initiated the game with vigor, establishing a 35-34 advantage in the first quarter and maintaining control until the third. However, their momentum waned in the final quarter, where they managed only 17 points. Pascal Siakam spearheaded the Pacers’ efforts with 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Pacers’ prominent player Tyrese Haliburton stressed the importance of enhanced performance moving forward, particularly concerning ball movement.

Haliburton’s Assessment:

“We’ve just got to get more stops down the stretch. Seventeen-point fourth quarter, after the offensive success we had all game, I think really shows we have to do a better job moving the ball. I think that starts with me.”

Game 5 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, a crucial face-off in this fiercely contested Finals series, is slated for June 17.