12.05.2025
Indiana Pacers 129 - 109 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Indiana Pacers dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109, taking a 3-1 lead in their playoff series. Pascal Siakam scored 21 points, while Myles Turner and Obi Toppin each contributed 20, leading the Pacers to tie an NBA playoff record with a 41-point halftime lead. Despite being without Bennedict Mathurin due to an ejection and Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell missing the second half with an ankle injury, the Pacers maintained control throughout, buoyed by their energetic home crowd. The Pacers set a record for a halftime score in a playoff game and showcased resilience after a previous home loss. Notable spectators, including sports figures like Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Reggie Wayne, witnessed Indiana's impressive performance. Coach Rick Carlisle's approach to keeping his team motivated paid off as they aim to close out the series in Cleveland, where they have secured two victories already.
Denver Nuggets 87 - 92 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA's youngest team, tied their second-round series against the Denver Nuggets with a 92-87 victory in Game 4, showcasing remarkable composure in the crucial moments. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone with nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, pulling the Thunder back from what could have been a daunting 3-1 deficit against a Denver team that has a strong reputation for closing out playoff series. After an exhausting overtime Game 3, both teams seemed sluggish in the early Mother's Day tip-off, leading to a low-scoring first half. However, Oklahoma City's bench, particularly Cason Wallace, who contributed key 3-pointers, helped turn the game around with a crucial 11-0 run. Despite Nikola Jokic's 27 points and 13 rebounds, Denver struggled with a poor shooting performance and several late-game mistakes, including a five-second inbounds violation. The victory was a testament to the Thunder's growing resilience and depth, as emphasized by their coach, Mark Daigneault.