Shai Gilgeous-Alexander With Monster 55 Point Performance

The Oklahoma City Thunder needed every single point Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could muster Thursday night, and their All-Star guard delivered historically. Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for 55 points to lead the Thunder past the Indiana Pacers 141-135 in a thrilling double-overtime battle at Paycom Center.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Takes Over in Clutch Moments

Gilgeous-Alexander was nearly flawless from the charity stripe, converting 23 of 26 free throw attempts while adding eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block. He shot 15-of-31 from the field and 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, but it was his relentless attacking mindset that kept the Thunder alive when the game was on the line.

The performance marked one of the highest-scoring outputs of Gilgeous-Alexander’s career and showcased exactly why he’s become one of the league’s most lethal scorers. When Oklahoma City needed a bucket down the stretch, they knew where to go. “I just had to keep attacking,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game, praising his team’s grit and defensive effort in securing the hard-fought victory.

Supporting Cast Steps Up When It Matters

Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried the offensive burden, the Thunder’s supporting cast made significant contributions. Aaron Wiggins contributed 23 points, including a huge three-pointer in the second overtime that helped secure the victory, while Ajay Mitchell, who scored 26 points off the bench, was a spark. Chet Holmgren added 15 points as the Thunder needed every available scorer to outlast a resilient Pacers squad.

The game featured several dramatic moments, including clutch buckets traded between Gilgeous-Alexander and Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin that forced the second overtime period. Mitchell’s and-one conversion kept the Thunder’s momentum rolling in the extra sessions.

Pacers Battle Despite Falling Short

Indiana refused to go quietly, with three players scoring 20 points or more. Mathurin led the Pacers with 36 points, while Pascal Siakam added 32 and Obi Toppin contributed 20. Ben Sheppard scored 15 and Jarace Walker added 13, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Gilgeous-Alexander’s virtuoso performance.

The 17,274 fans in attendance witnessed one of those special nights where a superstar simply refused to let his team lose. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get to the free-throw line proved decisive, as his 23 made free throws kept the scoreboard ticking even when his shot wasn’t falling from the field.

Thunder Continue Their Strong Start

This wasn’t Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first heroic effort of the young season. Earlier, he scored 35 points—30 in the second half—to lead the Thunder past the Houston Rockets 125-124 in another double-overtime thriller. He sealed that game with two clutch free throws while drawing a foul on Kevin Durant.

The consistency of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s excellence has been remarkable. His willingness to attack the basket relentlessly, combined with his improved playmaking, makes him nearly impossible to contain when he gets rolling.

For the Thunder, nights like these validate their faith in building around their star guard. When the game slows down and possessions become precious, having a player who can create his own shot and convert at the free-throw line is invaluable. The double-overtime victory improves Oklahoma City’s standing and sends a message: when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at this level, the Thunder are dangerous against anyone.