The Oklahoma City Thunder secured an important Game 4 victory in the NBA Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 111-104. The playoff series is now tied 2-2, and the Thunder will play two of the three remaining games at home
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led head coach Mark Daigneault’s team with 35 points and three rebounds. The former University of Kentucky player’s performance generated a wide range of reactions, including those from legendary coach Rick Pitino.
Rick Pitino Talks About Gilgeous-Alexander and Rick Carlisle
The current St. John’s head coach shared his thoughts on his X account, which has over 119,000 followers. He highlighted that Gilgeous-Alexander’s free-throw skills were the cornerstone of OKC’s victory.
Pitino also offered a playful compliment to Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle:
Lot is being made of poor 3 pt shooting from the Thunder as well as SGA not having an assist, but 34/38 from the foul line is the reason they won. Excellent job by the coach gambling with SGA on bench. Those few minutes were crucial. Great semi old coach 😂-in Rick Carlisle and…
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) June 14, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played one season of college basketball (2017-2018) for the Kentucky Wildcats, a team Pitino coached from 1989 to 1997. Initially coming off the bench, he quickly earned a starting role due to his impressive playmaking and defensive abilities.
As the Wildcats’ primary point guard, he averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. His leadership and versatility helped Kentucky secure the SEC Tournament championship, where he was named SEC Tournament MVP. He continued his strong performances in the NCAA Tournament, leading Kentucky to the Sweet 16 before falling to Kansas State.
His ability to control the tempo and make clutch plays solidified his status as a top NBA prospect. Following his freshman season, he declared for the 2018 NBA Draft, where he was picked 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
As part of his NBA career, current Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle played for the New York Knicks during the 1987–88 season, under head coach Rick Pitino. A reserve guard, Carlisle contributed to a young Knicks team that featured future Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing.
Pitino’s fast-paced, pressure-heavy system suited Carlisle’s disciplined approach, although he saw limited playing time. The Knicks finished the season with a 38–44 record and made the NBA Playoffs, where they lost in the first round.
Carlisle’s brief tenure in New York marked the end of his NBA playing career, as he soon transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant with the New Jersey Nets in 1989.
Rick Pitino is one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball history. He has led multiple programs, including Providence, Kentucky, Louisville, and St. John’s, achieving success at every stop.
Pitino won two NCAA championships, one with Kentucky in 1996 and another with Louisville in 2013 (later vacated). Known for his full-court press defense and player development, he has guided teams to seven Final Four appearances.
Pitino also had stints in the NBA, coaching the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics. His career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies, but his impact on the game remains undeniable.
