Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling 141-135 double-overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday (October 23). The reigning MVP scored a career-high 55 points, tying Russell Westbrook for the most 50-point games in Thunder history. Gilgeous-Alexander's performance included 23 of 26 free throws, eight rebounds, and eight assists. This win marks the Thunder's second consecutive double-overtime victory to start the season, making them the first NBA team to achieve this feat.
Ajay Mitchell contributed a career-best 26 points off the bench, while Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Aaron Wiggins added 23 points and nine rebounds. Despite missing key players like Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell, the Pacers remained competitive, led by Bennedict Mathurin's 36 points and Pascal Siakam's 32 points and 15 rebounds. Mathurin fouled out in the first overtime, leaving Indiana short-handed.
The game was marred by 70 fouls, including a technical on Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. The Thunder capitalized on these opportunities, especially in the second overtime, where they outscored the Pacers 14-7. Oklahoma City will next face the Atlanta Hawks, while the Pacers begin a three-game road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies.