Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has not taken a single moment of the NBA Finals for granted.
The 2025 NBA Finals have been a roller-coaster affair with both the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder trading punches at the highest level. On Friday, it was SGA and the Thunder who delivered a decisive blow to take Game 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind.
Gilgeous-Alexander took over down the stretch, scoring 15 points over the game’s final five minutes to help power OKC to a 111-104 victory. He scored the most clutch points in an NBA Finals game in the 21st century.
During his postgame press conference, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked if he had “sensed the moment” before deciding to take control of the game.
“Absolutely. That’s what it’s all about,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “Winning, especially this time of the season, comes down to the moments. It comes down to the late game. Every team is good … It comes down to the moments, who makes winning plays on both ends of the floor.
“I relish those moments, I love those moments, good or bad. When I was a kid shooting on my driveway, I’d count down the clock for those moments, and now I get to live it. It’s a blessing.”
SGA finished with 35 points on 12/24 shooting to go along with 3 assists, 3 steals, and a perfect 10/10 from the free throw line.
Much has been made about Gilgeous-Alexander being labeled a “free throw merchant” for his polarizing ability to draw fouls.
However, even Shai’s most vocal critics must admit that he came up big down the stretch during the most critical fourth quarter of his career. The opposite could be said for one Pacers player who completely botched the final minute of Game 4 for Indiana.
