OKLAHOMA CITY — The book is called “The Obstacle Is the Way.” It’s a gift that Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault gave to center Isaiah Hartenstein during a trying time this season, knowing the voracious reader would figure out the meaning.
Message delivered.
“I read it and remembered that everything happens for a reason,” Hartenstein said. “And after that, everything worked out great.”
Such has been the story of the Thunder’s 2024-25 season. Such was the story of Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Faced with the biggest challenge of their season — a 10-point deficit in the second half, staring at a very real chance of the Indiana Pacers grabbing the almost-insurmountable 3-1 lead in the title round — the Thunder, once again, came away saying everything worked out great.
Led by a dazzling and frantic finish from point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — the reigning league MVP and scoring champion had 15 of his 35 points in the final five minutes or so — the Thunder rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Indiana 111-104 on Friday night. The best-of-seven series is tied 2-2, heading back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Monday night, and it’s the Thunder who have home-court advantage again.