Oklahoma City, USA — NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a breathtaking performance on Thursday night, scoring a career-high 55 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling 141-135 double-overtime win against the Indiana Pacers, in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals.

The victory moves the defending champions to 2-0 on the season, and cements Gilgeous-Alexander’s status as one of the league’s most unstoppable offensive forces. The Canadian guard added eight rebounds and five assists, while showcasing elite composure in clutch moments, scoring nine points in the second overtime to seal the win.

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🏀 A Historic Night for Gilgeous-Alexander

The 26-year-old guard’s 55-point explosion marked his fifth career 50-point game, surpassing his previous best of 54. Known for his silky midrange game and elite shot creation, Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved why he’s considered a frontrunner for back-to-back MVP honours.

“This team has two great qualities,” Gilgeous-Alexander said post-game.
“It knows how to stay in the moment, and it understands that the beginning of the season is just as important as the end of the season.”

His dominance comes just 24 hours after the league was shaken by an FBI investigation into illegal sports betting and organized crime-linked poker games, which has overshadowed the NBA’s opening week. But on the court, the focus was all on SGA’s heroics.

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⚡ Thunder Make NBA History

With the win, the Oklahoma City Thunder became the first team in NBA history to go into double overtime in their first two games of a season. Gilgeous-Alexander had also scored the decisive points in the Thunder’s season-opening double-overtime victory over the Houston Rockets, further underscoring his reputation as one of the league’s best clutch players.

The reigning champions relied heavily on their star, but also received crucial contributions from Chet Holmgren, who posted 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Jalen Williams, who added 20 points.

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💥 Pacers Struggle Without Haliburton

The Indiana Pacers, still reeling from the long-term loss of Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles injury), suffered another blow when guard Andrew Nembhard exited in the second quarter with a shoulder injury.

Despite that, Bennedict Mathurin led Indiana with 31 points, while Myles Turner added 24 and 11 rebounds in a gritty effort that nearly spoiled Oklahoma City’s night.

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✨ Around the NBA

Elsewhere in Thursday’s action, Stephen Curry poured in 42 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 137-131 overtime win over the Denver Nuggets. The reigning Western Conference champions relied on Curry’s brilliance down the stretch, as the two-time MVP hit six three-pointers in another classic performance.

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🔍 Key Stats from the Thunder-Pacers Game

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 55 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 21/33 FG
• Chet Holmgren: 18 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks
• Jalen Williams: 20 points, 4 assists
• Bennedict Mathurin (IND): 31 points, 6 rebounds
• Myles Turner (IND): 24 points, 11 rebounds

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🏆 Gilgeous-Alexander’s Statement Game

Gilgeous-Alexander’s record-breaking performance wasn’t just about points — it was about leadership, resilience, and focus. Coming off an MVP season and a summer of heightened expectations, he’s proving once again that he thrives under pressure.

“Whatever the situation, we stay ready,” SGA said. “That’s who we are.”

As the Thunder look to defend their title, nights like this make one thing clear: the road to the NBA Finals once again runs through Oklahoma City — and through Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.