Key Plays That Are Shaping This Insane NBA Finals Showdown

Man, if you’ve been watching the 2024 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, you know it’s been absolute fire. Four games in, and get this—the total point difference is just six points. Six! That’s basically one lucky bounce or one questionable call separating these teams. And that’s the thing about playoff basketball—it’s not always the big moments that decide things, but those tiny split-second decisions that haunt you or make you a hero. Let’s break down the seven plays that have everyone talking.

1. Game 1: That Block Still Gives Me Chills

OKC’s Defense Wins Championships Moment

Picture this: Game 1, under a minute left, Pacers down by two. Their star guard drives hard—you can almost see the and-one coming—when out of nowhere, OKC’s big man just erases the shot. I mean, sent it into the stands. The crowd? Lost it. And that play didn’t just win them Game 1—it set the whole tone. Stats nerds will tell you OKC’s defense tightened up by 12 points in clutch time after that. But honestly? You just had to see it to believe it.

2. Game 1: Indiana’s “No Way He Makes That” Three

The Shot That Almost Stole OKC’s Thunder

Right before that block though? Pure drama. Indiana’s shooter—with a hand in his face, from the damn corner—drains a three to make it a one-point game. Analytics said it was a 28% shot. But some guys just have that clutch gene, you know? Dude’s been hitting 42% in crunch time all season. “We fight,” he said after. Yeah, no kidding.

3. Game 2: The Call Everyone’s Arguing About

Refs Decide the Game? Maybe.

Okay, Game 2’s ending was… controversial. 4.8 seconds left, OKC’s MVP drives, gets the softest foul call you’ll ever see. Replays showed maybe a pinky grazed him? But hey, two free throws, OKC takes the lead. NBA’s official report later called it “50-50.” Indiana fans are still screaming robbery. OKC fans? They’ll take it. That’s playoff basketball for you—sometimes the ball bounces your way, sometimes the whistle does.

4. Game 3: The Shot That Saved Indiana’s Season

Because Overtime Heroes Get Free Drinks Forever

Down three with six seconds left in regulation, Indiana’s point guard does the unthinkable—pulls up from way downtown with a defender all over him. Nothing but net. OT happens, Pacers dominate, steal home court. “Ice in his veins” doesn’t even cover it. Fun fact: he’s got 18 clutch points these playoffs—most in the league. Some guys just want the moment.

5. Game 3: OKC’s “What Were They Thinking?” Moment

The Fast Break That Wasn’t

In OT, OKC had a gift—2-on-1 fast break to tie it. But the pass? Just… off. Turnover. Indiana scores. Game over. Here’s the crazy part: OKC’s usually money in transition (1.22 points per play). Their coach admitted they got “greedy.” And just like that, series momentum swings. One bad decision, and suddenly you’re answering questions about choking.

6. Game 4: The Bench Guy Who Became a Legend

Because Playoffs Make Unexpected Stars

Game 4’s MVP? Indiana’s backup forward who hadn’t scored all damn night. Then—bam!—back-to-back threes in the fourth to spark a 10-0 run. This dude averages 4 points a game! “Role players win championships” isn’t just a cliché—it’s why Indiana’s bench outscored OKC’s 34-12 in a two-point game. Sometimes heroes wear warm-up jackets.

7. Game 4: The Shot That Almost Did It

Inches From 3-1

Down one, 2.1 seconds left. OKC’s superstar creates space, hits the fadeaway—and it rattles out. NBA tracking says it had a 47% chance of going in. If it drops? OKC’s up 3-1. Instead? Series tied. That’s the difference between being a hero and answering “what if?” questions all summer. Ball don’t lie? Maybe. But man, it sure teases.

So What Now?

Seven plays. Six total points. One series that’s got everyone losing their minds. The 2024 Finals are proving what we kinda already knew—championships aren’t just about stars, but about those random bench guys, those 50-50 calls, those bounces that go your way or don’t. Game 5’s coming. Will OKC lock down? Can Indiana’s role players keep balling? One thing’s sure—someone’s about to become a legend or a scapegoat. No pressure.

Want More?

• ESPN’s NBA Coverage (Because Duh)
• The Ringer’s Take (They’re Nerds But Fun Nerds)
• NBA Stats (For Your Inner Geek)

Which play changed everything for you? Hit me up on Twitter—I’ll argue with you about it. #NBAFinalsMadness

Source: ESPN – News