Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 55 in Thunder’s 2OT Victory

UPDATE: In an electrifying showdown, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a staggering 55 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Indiana Pacers 141-135 in double overtime on October 26, 2023. This marks the Thunder’s second consecutive double-overtime victory to start the season, a feat never achieved in NBA history.

Gilgeous-Alexander expressed a mix of fatigue and exhilaration postgame, stating, “I’m tired, but it’s expected. It’s a good way to break the ice on the season.” The Thunder showcased their resilience, battling through the grueling game despite missing key players like Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace.

The Thunder trailed by five points with just over three minutes left in the first overtime but rallied back, demonstrating their determination. “The beginning of the season is just as important as the end of the season,” Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized. He played a whopping 45 minutes, following a grueling 47-minute effort just days earlier.

In a remarkable performance, second-year guard Ajay Mitchell stepped up, contributing a career-high 26 points off the bench, showcasing the depth and talent within the Thunder roster. Head coach Mark Daigneault praised Mitchell’s composure, saying, “He didn’t really blink. We knew the talent and impact.”

Despite being short-handed, the Pacers pushed the defending champions to their limits. They are already without star point guard Tyrese Haliburton for the season and faced further challenges when Aaron Nesmith fouled out and Andrew Nembhard suffered a shoulder injury during the game. Coach Rick Carlisle indicated that Nembhard’s injury could present “big challenges” moving forward.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Bennedict Mathurin added 36 points and 11 rebounds, underlining the competitiveness of this matchup. “Grit is what our makeup is going to have to be this year,” Carlisle noted, highlighting the team’s resilience amid adversity.

As the Thunder look to build on their early success, all eyes will be on their next game. Will they continue their winning streak, or will injuries derail their momentum? Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds.