Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stunning career-high 55 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder battled past the Indiana Pacers 141-135 in double overtime, securing back-to-back extra-time wins to open the NBA season.
The reigning MVP was electric once again, adding eight rebounds and five assists in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals.
Just 24 hours after the league was shaken by an FBI probe into illegal betting and poker operations linked to organised crime, Gilgeous-Alexander provided the perfect distraction with a masterclass in scoring and composure.
Fresh off hitting the game-winner in another double-overtime triumph against Houston, the Canadian guard took control once more, scoring nine points in the second extra period to seal victory and surpass his previous best of 54.
“This team has two great qualities,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “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.”
The result also made history, as the Thunder became the first NBA team ever to play double overtime in each of their opening two games.
Indiana, still without injured star Tyrese Haliburton following his Achilles rupture, endured further bad luck when guard Andrew Nembhard left the game with a shoulder injury in the second quarter.
Elsewhere, Stephen Curry lit up the night with 42 points as the Golden State Warriors edged the Denver Nuggets 137-131 in overtime.
