Quick Read
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 55 points in OKC’s double-overtime win over Indiana.
- The Thunder became the first NBA team to open a season with consecutive double-overtime victories.
- Ajay Mitchell contributed a career-best 26 points off the bench as OKC played without several key players.
- Indiana pushed the champs to the limit despite missing Tyrese Haliburton and suffering additional injuries.
- Coach Mark Daigneault highlighted the importance of early wins for playoff positioning.
Thunder’s Relentless Start: Making NBA History One Overtime at a Time
On a brisk October night in Indianapolis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked both exhausted and exhilarated. He’d just etched his name into NBA lore, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their second consecutive double-overtime victory—a feat no team had ever accomplished to begin a season. But it wasn’t just the marathon minutes or the historic context that made this night unforgettable. It was the breathtaking individual performance: 55 points, a new career high, in a game that stretched the limits of endurance, resolve, and clutch decision-making.
As reporters filtered into the postgame room, Gilgeous-Alexander leaned back and let out a long exhale, the fatigue evident but the pride unmistakable. “I’m tired, but it’s expected,” he said, summing up the grueling challenge of back-to-back double-overtime games. “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.”
55 Points, Two Overtimes, and a Thunder Team Running on Heart
Thursday’s 141-135 win over the Indiana Pacers was more than a rematch of last season’s seven-game NBA Finals epic. It was a test of depth, resilience, and leadership. The Thunder, already missing key contributors like Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Alex Caruso, relied on the brilliance of Gilgeous-Alexander and the emergence of second-year guard Ajay Mitchell, who delivered a career-best 26 points off the bench. Aaron Wiggins also stepped up, adding 23 points and nine rebounds.
The contest was a tug-of-war from start to finish. Neither team led by more than seven in the 58-minute slugfest, a testament to the parity that has defined this rivalry since June. Pascal Siakam (32 points, 15 rebounds) and Bennedict Mathurin (36 points, 11 rebounds) powered the Pacers, who—despite missing star Tyrese Haliburton and losing Aaron Nesmith (fouled out) and Andrew Nembhard (shoulder injury)—pushed the defending champs to the brink.
Late in regulation, with seven seconds left and OKC clinging to a two-point lead, Siakam soared for a high-arching jumper over Chet Holmgren, tying the game and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Gilgeous-Alexander missed a potential game-winner, setting the stage for overtime drama.
Moments That Defined the Marathon: Clutch Plays and Controversy
In the first overtime, Gilgeous-Alexander justified his MVP status with a step-back jumper that gave the Thunder a two-point edge. But Mathurin answered for Indiana, faking out his fellow Canadian and scoring to knot the game at 124. Another missed opportunity for Gilgeous-Alexander meant another overtime—a battle of wills more than skill.
The second overtime brought its own drama. With under 30 seconds remaining and OKC up by four, Pacers forward Obi Toppin appeared to have intercepted an errant inbound pass, sparking hope for Indiana. But officials ruled the Thunder had called timeout, a decision that left Pacers coach Rick Carlisle visibly frustrated. “I’m not talking about the refs. If I talk about the refs, I will be fined an exorbitant amount of money,” Carlisle told reporters, his irritation clear. He pointed to the Thunder’s 51 free-throw attempts as a game-altering factor: “They just kept marching to the free throw line… It becomes difficult to get shots.”
Ultimately, Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the win with crucial free throws, capping a performance that was equal parts stamina and skill. “It’s not ideal, four extra overtimes in two games, but we’ll take two W’s,” he said, a hint of both relief and concern in his voice.
Depth Tested, Confidence Built: The Thunder’s Early Season Equation
Coach Mark Daigneault admitted he nearly pulled the plug on his starters to preserve their legs after Tuesday’s double-overtime win against Houston. “There was a moment in the first overtime period Thursday—with Oklahoma City trailing 118-113 with 3:16 remaining—where it would’ve been easy pumping the brakes,” Daigneault reflected. But Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t ready to let go. He understood that every win, especially early in the season, can make the difference in playoff seeding and home-court advantage. “The beginning of the season is just as important as the end,” he emphasized.
Ajay Mitchell’s emergence was a silver lining amid the grind. Daigneault praised the young guard’s composure and impact: “He didn’t really blink in either game. Sometimes it takes guys a little bit and they seem wide-eyed. That wasn’t the case for Mitchell.” As the final buzzer sounded, Gilgeous-Alexander gave Mitchell a heartfelt hug—a gesture that spoke to the exhaustion and the camaraderie of a team refusing to make excuses, always ready for its moment.
For Indiana, the night underscored the uphill battle ahead. Already shorthanded, the Pacers lost two more key pieces. Carlisle was blunt: “There are going to be lots of challenges, and we’ve just got to be able to take on these challenges on a long-term basis.” The grit shown in this game might need to become their identity.
The Price of History: Marathon Basketball and Managing Expectations
No team has ever started an NBA season with back-to-back double-overtime games, and the toll is evident. Gilgeous-Alexander logged a staggering 92 minutes across two contests, scoring a combined 90 points. The Thunder are undefeated, but their star looks like he needs a week-long vacation. The question lingers: Can OKC sustain this pace and keep their franchise player fresh for a potential playoff run?
Depth will be tested all season, especially if games keep stretching into extra frames. The upside? Early wins, growing confidence, and a roster learning to step up when it matters. The risk? Burnout, fatigue, and the challenge of keeping legs fresh for the long haul.
Elsewhere in the league, Steph Curry’s 42-point overtime heroics powered the Golden State Warriors past the Denver Nuggets, adding another chapter to a night defined by individual brilliance and extended drama. But for now, all eyes are on Oklahoma City and a star who, in the words of his coach, “never wants to let a chance to win slip away.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic night isn’t just about the numbers—it’s a vivid reminder of how leadership, heart, and timely contributions can elevate a team beyond its limitations. The Thunder’s early marathon may forge a tougher, more resilient contender, but careful management will be crucial if this electrifying start is to translate into lasting success come playoff time.