Short-Handed Pacers Outlast Thunder 117-114 in Thrilling Finals Rematch

Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker lead Pacers to victory despite key injuries

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:13am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense action of a basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The Pacers' narrow victory over the Thunder highlights the impact of injuries on a team's performance and the importance of depth and resilience in the NBA.Oklahoma City Today

In a thrilling rematch of last season's NBA Finals, the short-handed Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-114 in a close game that came down to the final seconds. Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker combined for 53 points to lead the Pacers to victory, despite missing several key players due to injuries.

Why it matters

This game showcased the resilience of the Pacers, who were able to overcome their injury challenges and defeat the league-leading Thunder. The outcome also highlights the impact that injuries can have on a team's performance, as both squads were missing important players.

The details

The Pacers, playing without Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Quenton Jackson, fought hard to break a three-game losing streak. Nembhard finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Walker set a personal best with 26 points. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 47 points, but missed shots in the final moments sealed the victory for the Pacers.

  • The game took place on April 12, 2026.

The players

Andrew Nembhard

A Pacers player who scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the game.

Jarace Walker

A Pacers player who scored a career-high 26 points, including four crucial free throws in the closing seconds to secure the win.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A Thunder player who scored a game-high 47 points in the losing effort.

Chet Holmgren

A Thunder player who contributed 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but the guys really stepped up and showed a lot of heart out there.”

— Rick Carlisle, Pacers Head Coach

“It's tough to lose a game like this, but we'll learn from it and come back stronger. Shai played his heart out, but we couldn't quite get it done in the end.”

— Mark Daigneault, Thunder Head Coach

What’s next

The Pacers will visit the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, while the Thunder will host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

The takeaway

This game showcased the impact of injuries on a team's performance, as both the Pacers and Thunder were missing key players. The Pacers' ability to overcome their challenges and defeat the league-leading Thunder demonstrates their resilience and the depth of their roster.