** Thunder Level NBA Finals; Game 5 Set for Oklahoma City Showdown

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In a thrilling twist to the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder clawed their way back into contention, evening the series against the Indiana Pacers with a hard-fought 111-104 win in Game 4. The matchup, which took place on Friday night, showcased the resilience of the Thunder, who faced the threat of a 3-1 deficit after trailing by as much as ten points in the third quarter. However, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up when it mattered most, orchestrating a dominant fourth quarter that spurred his team to victory.

With the series now tied at two games apiece, the Finals return to Oklahoma City for Game 5, scheduled for Monday night at 8:30 p.m. ET. This pivotal game could shift the momentum significantly as both teams vie for their first championship since the NBA’s inception. Notably, the Pacers have never clinched an NBA title, despite their rich basketball history, which includes three ABA championships during the 1970s. Meanwhile, the Thunder, while they achieved glory in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics, have yet to capture a championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008.

The Thunder came into the Finals with the advantage of having the best regular season record, finishing at an impressive 68-14, while the Pacers secured their spot as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 50-32 record. This home-court edge could prove crucial as the series progresses. The atmosphere in the Paycom Center is anticipated to be electric as the Thunder look to capitalize on their home fans’ support.

According to CBS Sports, both teams are eager to secure a decisive edge in this tightly contested Finals, with every game now taking on added importance. The stakes have never been higher, and with the possibility of a Game 7, set for June 22, the tension is palpable as each game unfolds. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating whether the Thunder can leverage their home-court advantage or if the Pacers will rise to the occasion and reclaim control of the series.

As the Finals continue, the matchup between these two franchises—each with its unique narrative—promises to deliver high-stakes basketball that fans will remember for years to come. Game 5 will not only be a battle for supremacy in this series but also a quest for historical significance, as both teams aim to etch their names in the annals of NBA history.

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