Post by : Maya Rahman

The Oklahoma City Thunder started the 2025-26 NBA season with a remarkable milestone. On Thursday, they triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a score of 141-135 in double overtime, making it the first instance in NBA history where a team has opened a season with consecutive double-overtime wins. This landmark victory followed their initial game against the Houston Rockets, where they won 121-116 in a similar nail-biter.

This matchup was particularly heated, given that the two teams clashed in the 2025 NBA Finals just months prior. Oklahoma City claimed their inaugural championship title by overcoming the Pacers in Game 7 last June, setting the stage for this high-stakes rematch filled with tension and fierce competition.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, shone brightly with a personal-best 55 points, which included an impressive 23 free throws. This outing marked the early season's first 50-point performance and tied him with Russell Westbrook for the franchise's most games with 50 or more points. Gilgeous-Alexander's exceptional leadership in both overtime periods was crucial for the Thunder's victory.

The game was marked by intense physicality, resulting in 70 fouls and 51 free-throw attempts. The Thunder entered halftime with a seven-point lead, although the Pacers, spearheaded by Bennedict Mathurin's efforts, fought vigorously in the second half. The tension escalated in the fourth quarter, where multiple lead changes occurred, culminating in a game-tying jumper from Pascal Siakam with just 6.5 seconds left, pushing the game into overtime.

The first overtime was tightly contested, with both teams unable to gain a comfortable edge. However, in the second overtime, Oklahoma City's lead extended, primarily due to Gilgeous-Alexander's precision from the free-throw line. A contentious moment unfolded with less than 30 seconds remaining when a potential crucial steal by Obi Toppin was erased after Thunder coach Mark Daigneault called a timeout, frustrating the Indiana supporters.

Ultimately, it was Gilgeous-Alexander's outstanding performance, paired with the team's unwavering spirit, that propelled Oklahoma City to a remarkable 2-0 start to the season. These back-to-back double-overtime triumphs exemplify the Thunder's resilience, skill, and capacity to thrive under pressure as they look ahead to a successful season.

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