In Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faced significant challenges, especially from Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, as he struggled to find his rhythm throughout the first three quarters. Despite scoring 20 points, SGA’s presence on the floor was not translating into effective offense; the Thunder were outscored by 16 points when he was on the court. As the game progressed, Oklahoma City seemed on the verge of a 3-1 series deficit, which has historically been difficult to overcome in the finals.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander remarkably turned the tide in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points in the final moments and leading the Thunder to a 111-104 victory. His late-game performance was characterized by poise and aggressiveness, as he stated, “I didn’t want to go out not swinging.” His ability to score in critical moments, particularly by drawing favorable matchups and utilizing ball screens, was key to his performance.
Despite facing fierce defensive pressure, SGA showcased his composure, and his fourth-quarter contributions included perfect free-throw shooting. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his star’s resilience, highlighting his consistent demeanor irrespective of the game’s context.
The victory shifted the series dynamics, making it a best-of-three matchup and restoring home-court advantage for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the significance of late-game execution, acknowledging the challenges of playoff basketball and expressing his enjoyment in “living” those critical moments. The Thunder’s strong defense also played a crucial role, limiting the Pacers’ scoring in the final minutes and enabling SGA’s late-game heroics.
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