Key Takeaways:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 55 points as Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 141:135 win over Indiana Pacers after two overtime periods last night
- This marked Oklahoma City’s second consecutive overtime victory to open the new NBA season, following their win against Houston on Tuesday
- Indiana played without Tyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell, and lost Andrew Nembhard in the first half due to a left shoulder injury
Double Overtime Heroics in Finals Rematch
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar individual display at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, setting a new personal best with 55 points to carry the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dramatic 141:135 win over the Indiana Pacers in a gruelling encounter that required two extra periods. This clash served as a repeat of last season’s NBA Finals, bringing another layer of intrigue to an already charged contest.
Clutch road win 😤 pic.twitter.com/IU4Nu3BPF0
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 24, 2025
The Thunder’s victory marked their second overtime triumph in as many games to begin the campaign, having previously defeated Houston in their season opener on Tuesday. Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable scoring outburst also saw him join Russell Westbrook as the Thunder player with the most 50-point games for the organisation, reaching that milestone for the fifth time in his career.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell Set New Marks
Gilgeous-Alexander was nothing short of efficient, shooting 15 from 31 from the field and converting 23 of 26 from the free throw line. He also contributed eight rebounds and eight assists to round out his exceptional performance. Ajay Mitchell recorded a personal best with 26 points for Oklahoma City, providing pivotal support throughout the contest. Aaron Wiggins also made a significant impact, posting 23 points and collecting nine rebounds, while Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the glass with 14 rebounds.
| Thunder Key Players | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 55 | 8 | 8 |
| Ajay Mitchell | 26 | 3 | 4 |
| Aaron Wiggins | 23 | 9 | 0 |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | 5 | 14 | 2 |
Mathurin and Siakam Lead Shorthanded Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin was outstanding for Indiana, producing 36 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out in the first overtime. Pascal Siakam tallied 32 points and 15 rebounds, fighting valiantly in the absence of key contributors. The Pacers faced the Thunder without All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and reserve guard T.J. McConnell, further hampered when Andrew Nembhard exited in the first half due to left shoulder pain.
| Pacers Key Players | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| Bennedict Mathurin | 36 | 11 |
| Pascal Siakam | 32 | 15 |
Pre-Game Ceremonies and Honours
Prior to tip-off, the Pacers held a ceremony to raise their Eastern Conference championship banner. The organisation also honoured the late Nancy Leonard, revered as the franchise matriarch, acknowledging her pivotal role in helping to save the team through a landmark telethon in 1977. Nancy Leonard passed away in September at the age of 93.
