Shai Gilgeous-Alexander attacks the rim as the Pacers defend during Game 4 — setting the stage for the question, Will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder?

Will the Pacers Recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder? Key Factors That Could Decide A Crucial Turning Point in the NBA Finals

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With the series now tied 2–2 after a see-saw first four games in this 2025 NBA Finals, Will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder?

That’s the burning question going into Monday night’s matchup. Indiana stunned fans with a buzzer-beater in Game 1, OKC roared back in Game 2, the Pacers throttled them in Game 3, and Oklahoma City answered with a dramatic Game 4 rally. Now, with momentum swinging, Will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder? Here’s where to watch, how to watch, and everything you need to know.

Where to Watch / Timings and TV Channels

Pacers player attempts a contested layup against Thunder defense as fans wonder, Will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder?
Tough defense from the Thunder in Game 4 leaves Indiana searching for answers in the paint — a key factor heading into Game 5 as the big question looms: Will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder? (Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)

How to Watch

Catch all the drama on ABC or stream via Fubo (with regional restrictions). International viewers can check local NBA Finals broadcast partners. For live stats and commentary, use ESPN’s Gamecast to track plays, shots, fouls, and pivotal momentum swings.

Stats and Game 4 Recap

Game 4 was a thriller. The Thunder clawed back from a 10-point deficit late in the third, then outscored Indiana 31–17 in the fourth quarter to win 111–104 and drag the series to Game 5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 35 points (15 in the final 4:38), while Jalen Williams added 27, Alex Caruso came off the bench for 20, and Chet Holmgren chipped in 14 and grabbed 15 boards.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rises for a jumper over Andrew Nembhard as fans watch closely—Will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder?
With Game 4 slipping away, Gilgeous-Alexander delivers under pressure while Pacers’ Nembhard contests—setting up the pivotal question: Will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder (Credit: Kyle Terada / Imagn Images)

Indiana had five players in double figures — Pascal Siakam led with 20, Haliburton had 18, and Obi Toppin tallied 17— but faltered down the stretch, shooting just 27.8% overall and missing all eight of their fourth-quarter threes.

Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Indiana Pacers:

  • Jarace Walker (ankle) – OUT for Game 5

  • Isaiah Jackson (torn Achilles) – OUT for the season

Oklahoma City Thunder:

  • Nikola Topić (ACL) – Season-long recovery, remains out

  • Chet Holmgren – He rolled his ankle in Game 4 but cleared to play, ready to go in Game 5

These injury reports are leading to a question for our audience as well as fans: Will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder?

Strengths and Weaknesses Ahead of Game 5

Indiana Pacers:

  • Strengths: Balanced scoring and energy from bench players like Mathurin and Toppin; Haliburton’s playmaking remains pivotal.

  • Weaknesses: Clutch time offense needs improvement — turnovers and cold shooting (5/18 FG in Q4 of Game 4) are glaring concerns.

Alex Caruso of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the rim against Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton during Game 5 of the NBA Finals
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Alex Caruso attacks the basket while Tyrese Haliburton contests during a high-stakes moment (Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / Imagn Images)

Oklahoma City Thunder:

  • Strengths: Elite closing performance powered by SGA’s late-game heroics; strong free-throw discipline (34 of 38 in Game 4) and rebounding edge.

  • Weaknesses: Lack of three-point consistency (only 18.8% in Game 4) and reliance on bench depth.

Keys to the Question: Will the Pacers Recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder?

  1. Fourth‑quarter composure: Can Indiana avoid a collapse like in Game 4, or will the Thunder bullpen come through again?

  2. Haliburton’s ability: He produced 18 in Game 4 and a historic scoring without free throws — his creativity could define the game. His performance may hold the answer to will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder?

  3. Holmgren’s health: If Chet plays at full tilt, Indiana may struggle to match athleticism and size down low.

  4. Bench production: With Walker and Jackson out, can the Pacers’ bench hold up against the Thunder’s reserves like Caruso and Williams?

These all factors bring us to just one question: Will the Pacers recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder?

Final Outlook

Will the Pacers Recover in Game 5 vs the Thunder? That’s the central narrative heading into Monday night’s pivotal clash.

If Indiana can maintain fourth-quarter composure, get hot shooting, and lean on Haliburton’s playmaking, they might break the momentum.

But with Oklahoma City back at home, riding the wave of Game 4 dominance, it might be too steep a mountain. Either way, expect fireworks. This isn’t just a bounce‑back chance; it’s all about keeping the highest playing standards.

Also Read: Carlisle Supports Foster Amid Game 4 Backlash – A Class Act During NBA Finals Tension

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