The stakes have never been higher for the Indiana Pacers as they face a crucial Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, tied 2-2 in the NBA Finals after a heartbreaking Game 4 loss. The Pacers squandered a 3-1 series lead when the Thunder rallied with an impressive 12-1 run in the closing moments, stealing the game 111-104. This defeat now looms large over Indiana's quest for a championship, intensifying the pressure as they head back to Oklahoma City.

Despite the setback, Indiana remains confident. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged their struggles in rebounding and defensive stops, crediting the Thunder's defensive prowess that held his team to just 18 points in the final 14 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's incredible performance, including most clutch points in the Finals and scoring 15 of the last 16 Thunder points, showcased why he is a superstar in the making. The Pacers must regroup quickly, as historical trends indicate overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the Finals remains an uphill battle, adding layers to their game strategy moving forward.