The New York Knicks have made waves by dismissing head coach Tom Thibodeau, despite his efforts leading the team to their best performance since 1999. This decision was reportedly in the works for some time, even before the Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs. Compounding the situation was the trade that sent Obi Toppin to the Pacers, which ultimately did not fulfill expectations for Thibodeau.

Toppin, once an All-American and a top draft pick, never found his footing in Thibodeau's rigid rotations. However, since joining the Pacers, he has thrived, becoming a key contributor off the bench and capitalizing on the freedom to play at a faster pace. Meanwhile, the Knicks' failure to utilize Toppin has been a significant factor in their coaching change, as Thibodeau's reluctance to trust his bench contributed to his downfall.

In a thrilling Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a crucial 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers, evening the series at 2-2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout performer, contributing 35 points, including 15 in the pivotal fourth quarter. Jalen Williams added a notable 27 points, while Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Off the bench, Alex Caruso made significant contributions with 20 points.

The Pacers, despite the loss, had commendable performances from Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 18 points and dished out seven assists, and Pascal Siakam, who added 20 points and eight rebounds. Obi Toppin chipped in with 17 points off the bench, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Thunder's balanced attack.

The NBA Finals has reached a pivotal moment as the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched Game 4 with a 111-104 victory, now making the series a best-of-three. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shined with 35 points, leading the Thunder, while Pascal Siakam topped the Pacers with 20 points in a tightly contested match.

Starting the game, the Thunder altered their lineup, opting for a bigger front with Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. The Pacers, known for their quick offensive plays, initially took the lead with Myles Turner’s effective high-post play. However, as the game progressed, defensive intensity surged with Siakam's four steals, leading to fast breaks that kept Indiana competitive.

Despite a solid start, Indiana struggled with shot selection in the second quarter, allowing the Thunder to build momentum. The game intensified after a flagrant foul by Obi Toppin on Alex Caruso, sparking physicality on both ends. As the third quarter unfolded, the Pacers extended their lead but couldn't maintain their advantage due to poor shooting from beyond the arc.

With the game on the line, Indiana attempted to fight back, but crucial turnovers paved the way for the Thunder to seize the lead late in the fourth. Gilgeous-Alexander's clutch shot sealed the win, sending the series back to Oklahoma City, where stakes will be high.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's stellar performance, with 35 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to a crucial 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers, leveling the NBA Finals at 2-2. Despite a tough shooting night with only three 3-pointers and no assists from Gilgeous-Alexander, contributions from Jalen Williams (27 points), Alex Caruso (20), and Chet Holmgren (14 points, 15 rebounds) proved vital. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin added 18 and 17, respectively.

The game featured physical play, highlighted by Flagran calls against Toppin and Lu Dort, and was closely contested throughout, with multiple ties in the fourth quarter before Gilgeous-Alexander's step-back jumper gave the Thunder their first lead of the second half. The Thunder's resilience saved their championship aspirations, as teams leading 3-1 in Finals have historically thrived in the postseason.

Oklahoma City Thunder staged a remarkable comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, securing a 111-104 victory against the Indiana Pacers, tying the series at 2-2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the star, delivering crucial points in the fourth quarter despite fierce defense from Andrew Nembhard. The Thunder's shooting struggled throughout, particularly from beyond the arc, which had been a potential advantage against Indiana's defense. With the win, the Thunder regain home court advantage, crucial in a series where only one team has ever overcome a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.

For the Pacers, this loss stings, as they squandered a double-digit lead in the second half. Tyrese Haliburton shone with significant contributions, but the team lacked the necessary support in crunch time. As the series heads to a best-of-three, both teams will need to adjust their offensive strategies while leaning on their defensive strengths. The Thunder must improve their ball movement to disrupt the Pacers' rhythm, while Indiana needs to maintain composure and leverage their depth for the upcoming matches.