Thunder Edge Pacers in 4OT Thriller

Strategic Insights -

The Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the Indiana Pacers 141-135 in a back-and-forth game that went four overtimes, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pouring in a career-high 55 points. The Thunder marked their second consecutive double-overtime victory to begin the season, a feat previously unseen in NBA history. The Pacers, meanwhile, were led by Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam, who each had a double-double and combined for 68 points.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set a new career high with 55 points in the team's 141-135 win over the Pacers.
  • The game went four overtimes, setting a new record for the most overtimes in an NBA season opener.
  • The Thunder became the first team in NBA history to begin a season with double overtimes in their first two games.
  • Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam each had a double-double, combining for 68 points in the loss.
  • Thunder's Aaron Wiggins added 23 points and nine rebounds, while Ajay Mitchell set a new career high with 26 points off the bench for the Thunder.
  • Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton was not in attendance due to injury.
  • The Thunder shot 51 free throws, more than twice as many as the Pacers.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander said the extra overtimes were "tough" but a good way to "bust the lungs up" and "get cardio back."

Statistics:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 55 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
  • Bennedict Mathurin: 36 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
  • Pascal Siakam: 32 points, 14 rebounds
  • Aaron Wiggins: 23 points, 9 rebounds
  • Ajay Mitchell: 26 points, 4 rebounds
  • Tyrese Haliburton's absence due to injury
  • 51 free throws shot by the Thunder
  • 50 points from Aaron Gordon in the Nuggets' loss to the Warriors