Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 55 as Thunder Edge Pacers in 2OT

UPDATE: In an electrifying showdown, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a staggering 55 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 141-135 victory over the Indiana Pacers in double overtime on October 26, 2023. This marks the Thunder’s second consecutive double-overtime win, a historic feat in the NBA.

Gilgeous-Alexander, visibly exhausted after playing 45 minutes, expressed the intense energy of the match, saying, “I’m tired, but it’s expected. It’s a good way to break the ice on the season.” This victory not only showcases his individual brilliance but also highlights the Thunder’s resilience early in the season.

The intense game unfolded at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Thunder faced a tough challenge from the Pacers, who were missing key players. Despite the absence of stars like Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers fought valiantly, pushing the defending champions to their limits.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault had hoped to manage his team’s minutes after a grueling opener against the Houston Rockets. However, with the Thunder trailing by five points late in the first overtime, Gilgeous-Alexander took charge, emphasizing the importance of every game early in the season. “The difference in home-court advantage in the playoffs could be one game and one win,” he noted.

In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s career-high, second-year guard Ajay Mitchell stepped up impressively, scoring 26 points off the bench. Coach Daigneault praised Mitchell’s performance, stating, “He didn’t really blink. It was not the case for him.” The young guard’s contributions were vital as the Thunder battled through a roster hampered by injuries.

The Pacers, despite their challenges, showcased their grit. Pascal Siakam led the team with 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Bennedict Mathurin added 36 points and 11 rebounds. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the uphill battle, saying, “Grit is what our makeup is going to have to be this year. There are going to be a lot of challenges.”

As the Thunder celebrate their hard-fought victory, they remain aware of the long season ahead. With injuries affecting both teams, the stakes are higher than ever. Fans can expect to see how this battle-tested Thunder team continues to evolve in their next matchups.

Stay tuned for updates as the NBA season progresses and more thrilling games unfold!