Pacers Make a Big Mistake in Game 4 Collapse

The Indiana Pacers made a critical mistake in Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which may have lost them the win.

Forward Pascal Siakam played just 35 minutes in Game 4. In those minutes, he had 20 points, five assists, and eight rebounds.

The Pacers dominated Game 4, often leading and being in command for the majority of the game.

In the end, it wasn’t enough; the Thunder gained control late in the game and never let go.

Following the game, a possible explanation for the loss was uncovered.

According to NBA Insider Matt Moore, the Pacers were -14 without Siakam on the court. In his absence, the team struggled on both sides of the court.

Pascal Siakam sat for thirteen minutes.

During those minutes, the Pacers were down 14 points.

— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball), June 14, 2025
While not a strong defender, Siakam moved effectively and made the proper rotations throughout the game, helping to limit the Thunder’s scoring.

On the opposite end of the court, he capitalized on mismatches by hitting smaller guards or slower big players for a nice mid-range shot or an attack to the basket.

His significance on the court was obvious, but coach Rick Carlisle preferred a rested Siakam over a tired one, opting for a more balanced rotation, even if the club struggled without him.

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Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ other star, played only 36 minutes, indicating that Carlisle is emphasizing recuperation for these essential players above increasing their time on the court.

Carlisle’s strategy makes sense: the Pacers play a taxing type of basketball that requires a lot of energy as the squad flies up and down the court.

Given the high energy requirement, Carlisle is well aware of the consequences of limiting their rest.

While it is a reasonable point of view, the Pacers cannot afford to be without their studs for that long, as both players require at least 40 minutes of running in these tight championship games.

Pascal Siakam doing a bit of everything 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mcvi9wC44N

— NBA (@NBA) June 14, 2025

Haliburton and Siakam are both relatively young and should be capable of carrying a heavier load in key games, but it is now up to Carlisle to trust his stars.