The Thunder and Pacers are about to tip-off for a potential series-defining Game 4. Can Indiana continue their underdog story or will SGA and Scott Foster have something to say about it?
I’ll admit it — heading into the 2025 NBA Finals, I was the most enthusiastic about the series. Oklahoma City vs. Indiana? That’s not a Finals matchup, that’s a Tuesday night on NBA League Pass that you forget is happening.
But here we are. Game 4. Finals. Indiana. And it’s kind of… great?
Let’s rewind. Oklahoma City came into these playoffs looking like the Monstars after they stole Charles Barkley’s talent. They were that good. They had the vibes. They had the youth. They had Sam Presti’s 400 future first-rounders in the vault.
After bulldozing Memphis, the Thunder survived a self-inflicted scare against Denver — which they should have won in five if not for some late-game Tony Romo-ing. Then they laid the wood on our beloved Timberwolves in five.
So naturally, everyone (me included) thought this Finals was a wrap. Thunder in five. Six if Haliburton hit some miracle threes. But nobody — and I mean nobody — accounted for the Chaos Pacers. The team that treats every fourth quarter like it’s the final scene in Uncut Gems.
The Pacers: Your League Pass Boyfriend Is Now the Finals Guy
Tyrese Haliburton is doing a full “I’m him” tour in these playoffs. He’s been the best clutch performer in the postseason, and he’s doing it while leading a team that’s basically a collection of castoffs, breakout role guys, and Myles Turner.
Game 1? Straight-up highway robbery. The Pacers snuck into OKC like Danny Ocean’s crew and walked out with a win. Game 2? The Thunder clapped back with an expected dominant answer.
But then Game 3 happened.
Back in Indiana. Close from start to finish. Suddenly, the Pacers are up 2-1. And now we’re heading into Game 4 with the vibe of a powder keg — except this powder keg comes with Scott Foster as the lighter.
Cue the Extender
Yes, you read that correctly.
Scott Foster is officiating Game 4.
The man who makes series go longer than The Irishman. The league’s human insurance policy. When the NBA needs a Game 6 or 7, they don’t send flowers — they send Scott. He’s the Undertaker GIF of NBA refereeing. You think the series is over? BONGGGG — here comes the Extender.
Vegas certainly noticed. Thunder are 6-point favorites on FanDuel Sportsbook. They’re -240 on the moneyline. And yes, Indiana at +200 is spicy. After Game 1 and 3, they’ve earned some respect. But Scott Foster being involved feels like that moment in The Hunger Games when the gamemakers just drop some mutated wolves into the arena. Things are about to get weird.
The Vibes: Underrated Finals Energy
Look, I get it. No LeBron. No Steph. No KD. No Giannis. No Jokic. No Tatum, no Luka, not even Jimmy Buckets. This series is like the Indie Spirit Awards of the NBA — a bunch of extremely talented people doing high-level work without the fanfare.
But you know what? It’s working.
These are two young, hungry teams with stylistic contrast. The Thunder want to slice you up with surgical efficiency. The Pacers want to turn the game into a chaotic, late-‘90s romcom — messy, fast-paced, and slightly unhinged.
The SB Nation Reacts poll said only 47% of fans think this Finals “feels big.” That’s not entirely wrong. These aren’t glamour franchises. There are no iconic legacies on the line. Nobody’s hoisting a fourth ring or defending a dynasty.
But sometimes it’s refreshing to get something new. These Finals aren’t big in a traditional sense — but they’re compelling. You can feel the pendulum swing with every possession. Every quarter feels like it might tilt the balance of power in the series. That’s fun basketball.
The Stakes Tonight
Let’s be blunt: Game 4 may very well be the series. If the Pacers win, they go up 3-1 and head back to OKC with three chances to close it out. That’s one flight and one Tyrese heat-check away from the most shocking title since Dirk did it in 2011.
If the Thunder win, we’re all square — 2-2, best of three, with two games in Oklahoma. That would feel like a wrap, even if it isn’t. You’d bet on a talented team that’s felt destined all season over whatever magic beans Indiana has been eating.
But that’s what makes this game beautiful. One swing either way changes everything. And the guy holding the whistle might be the one tipping the balance.
The Prediction
My gut says the Thunder bounce back. Shai drops 34, and Indiana finally misses just enough shots to come back to earth. But Haliburton… man, Haliburton keeps proving everyone wrong.
Still — with the Extender in town, the league’s best defensive team angry, and the books leaning hard in OKC’s direction? I say we’re heading for 2-2.
But no matter what happens, these Finals?
They’re not a snooze-fest.
They’re not a ratings problem.
They’re not a write-off.
They’re fun.
And they’re only just getting started.