Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 55 in Thunder’s 141-135 OT Win

UPDATE: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a sensational performance, scoring a staggering 55 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a nail-biting 141-135 victory in double overtime on July 15, 2025. This marks an unprecedented start to the season, with the Thunder participating in back-to-back double-overtime games, a first in NBA history.

Gilgeous-Alexander, visibly exhausted yet exhilarated, reflected on the intense matchup. “I’m tired, but it’s expected,” he stated during the postgame interview. “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, aiming to build on their previous victory against the Houston Rockets, faced a tough challenge against the Pacers. Coach Mark Daigneault had intended to manage player minutes, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s determination to secure the win proved crucial. “Being in the moment… understanding that we’re down five, it’s three minutes left, there’s a lot of time left,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of each game early in the season.

Despite missing key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith, the Pacers showcased their resilience. Pascal Siakam led his team with 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Bennedict Mathurin added 36 points and 11 rebounds. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the grit of his team, stating, “Grit is what our makeup is going to have to be this year.”

Emerging star Ajay Mitchell proved pivotal for the Thunder, scoring a career-best 26 points off the bench. Daigneault praised Mitchell’s performance, noting his composure in high-pressure situations. Gilgeous-Alexander embraced Mitchell after the final buzzer, recognizing the contributions of his teammates amidst injuries.

The Pacers pushed the defending champions to the limit, showing determination despite their depleted roster. However, the injury to Andrew Nembhard, who left the game with a shoulder issue, raises concerns for the team moving forward. Carlisle indicated that further testing will be conducted, but the outlook remains uncertain.

As the Thunder celebrate this hard-fought victory, the implications for the season are significant. With the playoffs on the horizon, every win counts, especially in the quest for home-court advantage. Fans are eager to see how both teams will navigate the challenges ahead in what promises to be an exciting season.

Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA season progresses and the Thunder and Pacers look to build on their early performances.