Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened the Thunder’s title protection with a historic 55-point efficiency, sealing a double-overtime victory in a Finals rematch that reignited debates over officiating

Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened the 2025–26 NBA season with a double extra time win over the Houston Rockets within the NBA on NBC’s return. He adopted that with historic efficiency, scoring a career-high 55 factors in a 141-135 double-overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers on October 23. The sport — a rematch of final season’s NBA Finals — delivered two overtimes of playoff-level depth, capped by Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game heroics and ice-cold free throws to safe the Thunder’s second win of the 12 months.

The reigning Finals MVP and league MVP shot 15-of-31 from the sector, 2-of-7 from three, and an astonishing 23-of-26 from the free-throw line, including 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in 48 minutes. His 79.1% true capturing share marked some of the environment friendly 50-point performances in latest reminiscence, regardless of on-line backlash over the excessive variety of foul calls.

A Finals Rematch with Excessive Drama

The evening carried additional weight — it was the Pacers’ first sport since falling to Oklahoma Metropolis in final season’s Finals. Taking part in in entrance of a loud crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana got here out motivated, conserving tempo behind Pascal Siakam’s 32 factors and 12 rebounds, whereas Myles Turner added 18 factors and 10 boards.

The Thunder led by double digits within the third quarter, however Indiana stormed again, tying the sport at 113-113 with 6.5 seconds left in regulation after a midrange jumper from Siakam. Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential game-winner rimmed out, sending it to extra time.

Each groups traded blows by means of two additional intervals earlier than the Thunder pulled away late, due to Shai’s relentless drives and Aaron Wiggins’ two well timed three-pointers. Chet Holmgren added 18 factors and 10 rebounds, whereas Wiggins completed with 23 off the bench, serving to Oklahoma Metropolis outlast Indiana in a 56-minute battle.

Workforce stats instructed the story of steadiness and grit: OKC shot 47.2% general and 35.1% from three, whereas Indiana hit 45.8% and 32.4% respectively. The Thunder additionally gained the rebounding battle 52–47 and transformed 32 of 38 free throws, in comparison with Indiana’s 21 of 25.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 55-Level Explosion

For Gilgeous-Alexander, this wasn’t simply one other large scoring evening — it was an announcement. After dropping 35 factors within the season opener in opposition to Houston, the All-NBA guard raised the bar, proving he’s nonetheless in MVP type.

He scored simply 5 factors within the first half, then exploded for 50 within the second half and overtimes mixed, together with 24 factors within the fourth quarter alone. His midrange sport was unstoppable — 10-of-18 on pull-up jumpers contained in the arc — as he picked aside Indiana’s protection with hesitation dribbles, spin strikes, and physique management in site visitors.

Regardless of solely hitting two three-pointers, Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential to get to the rim drew constant contact, resulting in 26 free-throw makes an attempt — greater than the complete Pacers workforce mixed. He transformed 23 of them, ending with the calm and rhythm that outline his sport.

Within the decisive moments of double extra time, Shai hit a pull-up jumper, adopted by two clutch and-1 finishes, and closed out with six straight free throws. His +14 plus-minus underscored his two-way dominance, together with key defensive stops and rebounds that helped shut the sport.

This efficiency surpassed his earlier profession excessive of 54 factors, set final season, and marked his fifth profession 50-point sport — cementing his place among the many league’s most deadly scorers.

Followers Break up Over Free Throws

Whereas Thunder followers celebrated the profession evening, NBA social media rapidly turned the 26 free-throw makes an attempt right into a sizzling subject. A put up by @LegionHoops exhibiting Shai’s stat line acquired over 2,600 likes and practically 200 replies inside hours, with reactions sharply divided.

Critics argued that the efficiency leaned too closely on foul calls, with one consumer writing, “26 free throws? Is that this even basketball anymore?” One other added, “55 factors on 15 made pictures is wild, bro.”

Others defended him, stating that almost all of the fouls had been respectable. “You drive 30 occasions a sport and see if you happen to don’t get hit,” one Thunder fan responded. “The refs didn’t bail him out — the Pacers simply couldn’t guard him.”

Statistically, the free-throw fee wasn’t far off his norm — Shai averaged 8.5 FTA per sport final season, rating amongst elite slashers like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Analysts famous that his steadiness and deceleration power defenders into awkward contact, making his foul-drawing talent as a lot method as benefit.

Postgame Reactions

Gamers and coaches from each side praised the hassle on show. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault referred to as Shai’s efficiency “a masterclass in poise,” emphasizing that “he stayed inside the workforce construction even whereas scoring at will.”

Chet Holmgren credited his teammate’s management: “When he will get into that zone, all we will do is maintain feeding him and keep prepared for the kick-out.”

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle admitted Shai’s rhythm was powerful to interrupt: “We tried a number of coverages, however he’s some of the affected person gamers within the league. He simply waits you out.”

Broader Context: MVP Race and OKC’s Momentum

The victory improved Oklahoma Metropolis to 2-0, persevering with their momentum from final season’s championship run. Regardless of lacking key contributors Jalen Williams (wrist) and Cason Wallace (knee), the Thunder look poised for one more deep run. Their younger core — Holmgren, Williams, Wiggins, and Gilgeous-Alexander — continues to mature beneath Daigneault’s system.

League-wide, Shai’s begin immediately reignited the MVP debate. By way of two video games, he’s averaging 45 factors, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, capturing practically 50% from the sector. ESPN and CBS analysts already record him alongside Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo as early front-runners.

For Indiana, the loss stings — particularly with out Tyrese Haliburton, who stays sidelined with an Achilles damage. Nonetheless, Siakam’s consistency affords hope because the Pacers intention to recapture their Finals type.

The On-line Debate

Throughout X, followers saved the controversy rolling late into the evening. Some considered Shai’s 55-point masterpiece as proof of greatness; others noticed it as proof of what’s fallacious with fashionable officiating.

@TruckBon wrote: “Actual human beings about to be crying a few man who took 31 pictures and bought hit on 20 of them. That’s greatness.”
In the meantime, @FT_Merchant05 countered: “If Embiid did this, y’all would name him a free-throw service provider.”

Amid the noise, one factor remained clear — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as soon as once more commanded the basketball world’s consideration, strolling the nice line between artistry and effectivity.

Ultimate Take

In an period of explosive scoring, few gamers steadiness talent and management like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His 55-point evening was a show of persistence, precision, and endurance, main the Thunder previous the Pacers in a rematch that lived as much as its billing.

Whereas followers can debate how he bought his factors, the scoreboard doesn’t lie — and neither does his poise. The MVP continues to be very a lot in his bag.