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

UPDATE: In a thrilling double-overtime showdown, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a staggering 55 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder narrowly defeated the Indiana Pacers 141-135 on October 26, 2023. This marks the first time in NBA history that a team has started the season with two consecutive double-overtime games, and the Thunder have emerged victorious both times.

Sitting back in the postgame press conference, Gilgeous-Alexander exhaled deeply, acknowledging the physical toll of the match. “I’m tired, but it’s expected,” he said, reflecting on his performance. The Thunder’s star player is clearly shaking off the rust as they dive into the new season, showing why he is a force to be reckoned with.

In a game that echoed last season’s NBA Finals, the Thunder overcame significant challenges, including missing key players such as Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace. Despite these setbacks, second-year guard Ajay Mitchell stepped up with a career-high 26 points off the bench, showcasing the depth of the Thunder’s roster. “Everybody has a lot of trust in him,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, praising Mitchell’s composure in high-pressure situations.

With the Thunder trailing 118-113 in the first overtime, Gilgeous-Alexander insisted on pushing forward. “The beginning of the season is just as important as the end,” he noted, emphasizing the significance of securing early wins for playoff positioning.

The Pacers, battling injuries, pushed the defending champions to the limit. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton was already sidelined for the season, and injuries to Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard further weakened their lineup. Despite this, Pascal Siakam delivered a commanding performance with 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Bennedict Mathurin added 36 points and 11 rebounds.

“It’s going to take grit for us this year,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, recognizing the uphill battle his team faces. With Nembhard set for further testing on his shoulder, the team’s future remains uncertain, yet their resolve is evident.

Looking ahead, the Thunder will aim to build on this momentum as they face more challenges in the coming games. For fans and analysts alike, the early season performance raises questions about the team’s potential and adaptability.

As the excitement continues to build, all eyes will be on Oklahoma City to see how they navigate this demanding start and whether Gilgeous-Alexander can maintain his explosive form.