The Oklahoma City Thunder survived yet another double overtime game in just their second match of the NBA season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander flexed his MVP form in just the second game of the season as the OKC Thunder survived another double overtime game, this time against the Indiana Pacers in a finals rematch, 141-135, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday (Friday, Manila time).
The defending champions saw both of their first two games of the year extend to two extra periods, and they’ve won both.
Against Indiana, it was a back-and-forth affair for most of the match, with the game’s biggest lead standing at just seven points from OKC. The Pacers, who were eager to get back at the Thunder after last season’s finals, led only by five.
Gilgeous-Alexander registered a career-high 55 points while also getting himself to the free throw line multiple times throughout the game for a 23-of-26 shooting clip. He also had eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.
Gilgeous-Alexander had the chance to win it for the Thunder in the first overtime when he hit the go-ahead bucket with 27 ticks left in the period, 124-122.
But Bennedict Mathurin got right back to tie the game anew with 13 seconds left.
In second overtime, Gilgeous-Alexander uncorked nine points while Aaron Wiggins added six points off of two triples to lead the Thunder’s bid to finally get the victory comfortably, 141-135.
Ajay Mitchell was Gilgeous-Alexander’s biggest supporter in scoring with 26 markers. He also had three rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Wiggins added 23 points and nine rebounds.
Mathurin paced Indiana in the losing effort with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist.
The Thunder are now 2-0 for the season while Indiana lose their first match of the year at 0-1.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.