Pacers G4 Reversal Loss: Mentality Imbalance and Mathering s Success or Failure Pen

In the NBA Finals G4 on June 14, 2025, the Pacers' home fans are probably frustrated. The first three quarters were obviously against the Thunder, and the lead was 7 points after the third quarter. As a result, the fourth quarter was overtaken by 14 points and lost 104-111. The series was directly scored 2-2. The Thunder took back the home advantage. What do you mean by this? The momentum of the first three sections is like a tiger going down the mountain. Why is the fourth section like a frost-beating eggplant? Especially in the fourth quarter, the Thunder scored 31 points, and he only scored 17 points. Who wouldn't be confused about this difference?

I want to say that G3 was the highlight of the Pacers before. At that time, they were halfway behind and 5 points after the third quarter. As a result, they suddenly felt like they were cheating in the fourth quarter, winning 14 points in a single quarter, and winning the game in the last 9 points. After that game, many people felt that the Pacers were stable, after all, they were leading 2-1, and they obviously felt that they had adapted to the Thunder's defense. The G3 Pacers made only 13 mistakes and the Thunder made 17 mistakes, and the gap suddenly came out. Looking at G1 and G2, the Pacers made more mistakes. G1 was 18 more times and G2 was 2 more times, and they were completely cheated by themselves.

In fact, there is a very interesting phenomenon between G1 and G3: The Thunder always has the advantage in the first three quarters, but when it reaches the fourth quarter, it becomes a badass, and the Pacers are like they are injected with chicken blood. G1 won 10 points in the fourth quarter, G2 won 3 points, and G3 won 14 points. This makes people feel that as long as the Pacers don’t fall too much behind in the first three quarters, there will be hope for a comeback in the fourth quarter. Who would have thought that G4 would fail in the fourth quarter with a 7-point advantage? This script is simply outrageous than a TV series.

To put it bluntly, the Pacers lost in G4, and their mentality is definitely the main reason. They were all behind in the fourth quarter in the first few games. Anyway, they had already fought back and forth, but they played more resolutely. They shot when they came out, without hesitation at all, and their efficiency was naturally high. But G4 is different, leading by 7 points into the fourth quarter. This is the first time since the finals started, the first three quarters have dominated, and the whole team is obviously a little worried about gains and losses. I want to win the game with stability, but the more I want to be stable, the more I feel unstable I don’t dare to take decisive action when the shooting opportunity comes out, and I have to find a safer opportunity, but I missed many good opportunities. Look at the fourth quarter shooting percentage, 5 of 18 and 0 of 8 three-pointers. How can this be the performance of the team in the finals? On the other hand, the Thunder fell behind and beat the Pacers as they were before. They were very determined, and scored 31 points in 9 of 15 shots, which is a direct reflection of the difference in mentality.

and the use of Mathering, I really can't understand Carlisle's operations. Matherin played in G4 for only 14 minutes, 8 minutes less than G3, especially in the fourth quarter, and he was not allowed to play until 44 seconds left. But at G3, Matherin was simply the savior of the Pacers. At that time, the starter could not beat the Thunder, and Carlisle could only rely on substitutes. As soon as Matherin got up, he made a big blow. He made 9 of 12 in 22 minutes, 2 of 3 three-pointers, 7 of 8 free throws, scored 27 points, plus or minus value +16, and scored 10 points in 6 minutes in the fourth quarter, directly reversed the game. This kid has good physical fitness, strong impact, and has good scoring ability, but why is the G4 pressed on the bench?

In fact, Carlisle also has his concerns. Matherin's style of playing is sometimes too independent and often deviates from the tactical system. When he is leading, he is afraid that he will disrupt the rhythm, so he wants to be stable. But the problem is that the Pacers' offense in the fourth quarter of G4 are all abnormal, so why should they still seek stability? Seeing the Thunder overtake the score, I remembered Matherin. As a result, he sat on the bench for so long, but his condition was not adjusted well when he got up. He missed two free throws for the first time, and made one of two free throws for the second time, and made a low-level foul, which allowed Alexander to score the free throw, but he would definitely not be able to save his master in the end. You said that he scored 8 points in 14 minutes, but his efficiency was actually not low. If he had to go to the fourth quarter early, the result might be different.

Now the question is, how should Pacers use Mathering next? He is the player with the strongest independent scoring ability besides Halliburton and Sika. Is Carlisle too conservative? When leading, I dare not use such a strong impact player. I have to wait until I fall behind before I think of him, but it may have been too late at that time. In this finals, every decision may affect the outcome. If the Pacers are still so timid, they will be snatched away by the Thunder. Do you think Carlisle made a big mistake in this battle? How should Mathering be used?