UPDATE: Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander electrified the court with a staggering 55 points as the Thunder triumphed over the Indiana Pacers 141-135 in a thrilling double-overtime showdown on October 26, 2023. This marked the first time in NBA history that a team has started a season with back-to-back double-overtime games.
Gilgeous-Alexander, visibly exhausted yet exhilarated, expressed the intensity of the match-up. “I’m tired, but it’s expected,” he said during the postgame interview. “It’s a good way to break the ice on the season, shake the rust off.” The Thunder’s dramatic victory not only showcases their competitive spirit but also sets a precedent for the upcoming season.
Despite entering the game missing key players like Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, the Thunder relied on the depth of their roster. Ajay Mitchell stepped up remarkably, contributing a career-high 26 points off the bench. Coach Mark Daigneault praised Mitchell’s composure, stating, “He didn’t really blink” in such high-pressure environments.
The game was a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals, a series that the Thunder won in a gripping seven games. The Pacers, despite being short-handed, gave the defending champions a run for their money. Missing their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton for the season, the Pacers also faced injuries during the game, including Andrew Nembhard, who exited with a left shoulder injury.
The Pacers pushed hard against the champs, with Pascal Siakam leading the charge by scoring 32 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin also shone brightly, finishing with 36 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Pacers’ Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the uphill battle his team faces, stating, “Grit is what our makeup is going to have to be this year.”
As the Thunder celebrate their second consecutive victory, the implications are clear: they are a team ready to challenge for the championship once again. Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of these early games, stating, “The difference in home-court advantage in the playoffs could be one game and one win.”
With the season just beginning, fans are left eager for what’s next. Will the Thunder continue their momentum, or will injuries catch up with them? Keep an eye on the upcoming games as the story unfolds.
