Gilgeous‑Alexander’s 55 Leads Thunder Past Pacers in Double‑Overtime Thriller

INDIANAPOLIS - The stage was set, a rematch of last year’s championship pairing, and the popcorn‑worthy drama did not disappoint. The Pacers and Thunder battled through regulation and two extra periods before the Thunder finally sealed a 141‑135 victory in an all‑out test of will and endurance.

From the opening tip, the Pacers showed that even without full health they were not backing down. It wasn’t pretty at times, but they fought back from potential lulls, with the Thunder responding at every turn. The Thunder, meanwhile, leaned on their star and dug in defensively when it mattered most.

What stole the show was undoubtedly Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander. He poured in a career‑high 55 points, adding eight rebounds and eight assists. He shot 15 of 31 from the field and a sterling 23 of 26 from the free‑throw line, showing both volume and precision when the pressure climbed.

The Pacers weren’t just spectators. Bennedict Mathurin erupted for 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam contributed 32 points and 15 boards. Indiana showed grit, especially as the physical toll of a double‑overtime clash began to accumulate.

Several key moments defined the final stretch:

In the second overtime, with about 22.5 seconds left, Indiana’s Obi Toppin seemed to come up with a steal on the inbound, cutting the deficit to four - yet the Thunder were granted a critical timeout that preserved possession.

Gilgeous‑Alexander then iced the game with two calm free throws.

Earlier, in the first overtime and regulation, leads changed hands and both teams seemed to have chances to pull away — only for the other side to answer.

The atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric, the kind that makes coaches grit their teeth and players dig deep. With no one leading by more than seven at any point, it felt like every play mattered. Both teams committed fouls, both benches were tapped, and the adrenaline never dropped.

For Indiana, the loss stings yet they should walk away with their heads held high. They played a heavyweight opponent all the way to the line, tested their depth, and showed they can contend even when the margin for error is razor thin. For Oklahoma City, this is a statement win. When the going got long and the legs got tired, they held firm.

As both teams turn toward the next game, the questions loom: How will Indiana survive the physical and mental wear of such a tight battle? How will Oklahoma City build on this momentum and avoid the trap of a high‑octane win becoming a let‑down?

In any case, fans were delivered one of the most compelling games of the early season -a heavyweight clash worthy of any playoff lineup.