Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 35, including 15 in the 4th quarter, as the Thunder rally to win Game 4.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The championship series is tied at two games apiece. The trophy, in that sense, is up for grabs. Therefore, the situation begs for a difference-maker, a hero who can win it for the Indiana Pacers or Oklahoma City Thunder.
Which means such player would have a very solid chance at carrying two trophies.
The verdict of this season’s Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award may well depend on what player rises in the next two games, or three if the series goes seven. It could be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Tyrese Haliburton … or a wild card if someone else finishes with a rush.
These games have been fairly close and dramatic, and if that pattern continues, then the eventual winner of the MVP might be the player who produces in the fourth quarter and final minutes. That’s when champions rise and legacies are made.
As of now, Shai is the MVP ladder leader, having done exactly that in Game 4. Others are climbing, though, and capable of removing him from the top.
The stat to know: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 15 points in the fourth quarter of Game 4 was the most by him in any quarter of this series, and also his most in any quarter of this postseason.
What they are saying: “We’ve seen it before from him. We know that that’s the type of player he is. But it’s still impressive. I’m sure that’s going to be a very small category of players that he’s going to put himself in or has put himself in with a finish to the game like that.”
—Thunder forward Chet Holmgren on Shai’s fourth quarter of Game 4.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
2025 Finals stats: 32.8 pts., 5.3 rebs, 3.8 assists
His case: He’s averaging roughly as many points in this series as he did in the regular season and while his efficiency isn’t up to his standards, he’s commanding the most attention from the Pacers’ defense. When he’s getting to his spots for pull-up mid-range shots, he’s causing problems for Indy.
Also, this series is tied mainly because of Shai’s strong fourth quarter in Game 4. Without his flourish in that stretch, OKC would be in a tough spot. The Thunder needed, and received, an MVP-level performance from the reigning winner.
2. Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers
2025 Finals stats: 17.8 pts, 6.0 rebs, 7.5 assists
Check out every angle of Tyrese Haliburton's best plays from Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
His case: Despite a tough fourth quarter in Game 4 during which he couldn’t deliver his usual late-game magic, Haliburton remains the central figure for the Pacers and their most consistent all-around player. He’s striking the right balance between passing and shooting and when his decision-making has been sharp, the Pacers have been at their best offensively.
Strangely enough, Haliburton shot free throws in only one of the four games so far. That has reduced his scoring chances and prevented OKC from having players with foul trouble. He’ll likely look to attack the rim more frequently, draw fouls and get more attempts.
3. Jalen Williams, Thunder
2025 Finals stats: 22.3 pts., 5.5 rebs, 4.3 assists
Jalen Williams finishes with 27 points in OKC's Game 4 win.
His case: There’s steady improvement in Williams’ game since the series began, and with the immense defensive attention being paid to Shai, Williams has seized advantage of those situations at times. He’s at his best when attacking off the dribble and scoring in transition, though he’s shooting just 40%.
Williams has a chore defensively — he’s usually guarding Pascal Siakam. Which means Williams must bring the same energy at both ends of the floor. He got the best of Siakam in the fourth quarter of Game 4 when the Pacers’ forward couldn’t break loose.
4. Pascal Siakam, Pacers
2025 Finals stats: 18.8 pts., 7.8 rebs, 4.0 assists
His case: He’s had stretches where he took over games and put the Pacers in position to win. There’s no more dangerous Pacer when it’s time to score. Siakam is the first option and capable of causing wreckage in the paint and with his fadeaway mid-range shot.
He’s also Indiana’s best on the boards. With Myles Turner seemingly unable to collect rebounds, the Pacers need Siakam’s presence near the rim, especially against Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, each of whom hold a size advantage.
5. Alex Caruso, Thunder
2025 Finals stats: 14.8 pts., 4.3 rebs, 2.5 steals
Alex Caruso's championship experience shined bright for OKC in Game 4.
His case: He’s heavily responsible for both OKC wins, impressive for a player coming off the bench. Each time, Caruso was impactful at both ends, by closing off passing lanes and poking away dribbles to stockpile steals, and by scoring 20 points in both of those games.
This is why the Thunder made the trade last summer with Chicago, to get a defensive disruptor and former NBA champion (Lakers, 2020) with a high motor. Caruso’s competitiveness shows through, especially when he accepts the toughest assignments.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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