BREAKING: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stunning performance, scoring a career-high 55 points, as the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling double-overtime showdown, 141-135, on Thursday night. This marks the Thunder’s second consecutive double-overtime game to start the season, a first in NBA history.
In a postgame interview, Gilgeous-Alexander, visibly exhausted but exhilarated, expressed the significance of the hard-fought victory. “I’m tired, but it’s expected,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of shaking off rust early in the season. “It’s a good way to break the ice on the season, shake the rust off, kind of bust the lungs up, get my cardio back.”
The Thunder faced off against the Pacers in a rematch of last season’s gripping NBA Finals, where they clinched the title in a dramatic seven-game series. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault had intended to manage player minutes after their grueling opener against the Houston Rockets, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s determination to win prevailed.
“Two things. Being in the moment and understanding that we’re down five, it’s three minutes left, there’s a lot of time left,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, reflecting on the critical moments of the game. “The beginning of the season is just as important as the end of the season.”
In this high-stakes rematch, the Thunder were without several key players including Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace. However, second-year guard Ajay Mitchell stepped up, scoring a career-high 26 points off the bench. “Everybody has a lot of trust in him and his talent,” Daigneault praised, highlighting Mitchell’s resilience in tough situations.
The Pacers, still grappling with injuries, were without star point guard Tyrese Haliburton for the season. They suffered further setbacks as Aaron Nesmith fouled out, and Andrew Nembhard left the game with a shoulder injury. Coach Rick Carlisle expressed concern over Nembhard’s condition, stating it could pose significant challenges moving forward.
Despite these hurdles, the Pacers pushed the defending champions to their limits. Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin showcased their skills, scoring 32 points and 36 points respectively. “Grit is what our makeup is going to have to be this year,” Carlisle noted, emphasizing the need for resilience throughout the season.
The Thunder’s next game will be crucial as they aim to maintain their momentum early in the season. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to their challenging roster situation while continuing their quest for another championship.