It’s hardly official until they finish it — but for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the message is loud and clear: they’re not just champs, they’re still dangerous. On Thursday night in Indianapolis, the Thunder edged out the Indiana Pacers 141–135 in double overtime, behind a career-high 55 points from Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander as they opened the season 2-0 in back-to-back double-OT games.
In a matchup instantly branded Game 8 of last year’s Finals, tensions, foul calls (70 in total), and momentum swings came in waves. The Pacers, still reeling from their Finals loss and missing multiple guards, pushed the Thunder every step of the way. Yet Oklahoma City kept finding answers — and one man in particular refused to let it slip away.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s stat line is jaw-dropping: 15-of-31 from the floor, 23-of-26 from the free-throw line, eight rebounds and eight assists. But what matters most was the timing of those points. With the Thunder trailing late in the second overtime, SGA calmly sank two free throws with 2.3 seconds left to seal the win.
That’s what champions do. When the lights are brightest and the doubts creep in, they deliver. After the game, his calm was unmistakable: sometimes you just have to trust your craft and gut.
His rings, his banner, the big win last year — all of it feels like build-up to nights like this. For the Thunder and their fans, it was closure and promise wrapped together.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance attracted headlines, but the win was anything but one-man. Ajay Mitchell, slotted into a bigger role due to injuries elsewhere, came off the bench and dropped a career-high 26 points. His growth from reserve to contributor this early is encouraging for a team that’s already deep.
Additionally, Aaron Wiggins added 23 points and nine rebounds, thriving in a start he didn’t expect. And inside, Chet Holmgren showed flashes of what makes him special — moving, shooting, defending big bodies — punched out 28 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late. The Thunder’s depth carried them through a game where the margin for error was thin.
The Pacers fought with everything they had. Bennedict Mathurin dropped 36 points and 11 boards, while Pascal Siakam had 32 and 15. Even without guard Tyrese Haliburton and backup point guard T.J. McConnell, and losing starter Andrew Nembhard to a shoulder issue early, they refused to fold. That’s the spirit Indiana has built.
But when the Thunder closed with force in OT and held their composure at the line, Indiana couldn’t climb back. In retrospect, the Pacers’ lack of guard depth and foul trouble (multiple starters fouled out) proved costly.
Why This Win Matters
- Championship-rematch intensity – After facing each other in the 2025 Finals, this was more than a road opener. It carried playoff vibes. The Thunder showed they’re willing to grind through chaos.
- Leadership and poise under pressure – OKC shot poorly from deep (just 28.6%), yet they defended, attacked, and closed when it mattered. Their composure in OT reflects the maturity of a team no longer just aiming to contend, but to win.
- Depth showing up – Injuries still lingering, rotation changes occurring — yet the Thunder responded. Mitchell, Wiggins, Holmgren and others all played meaningful roles. In a long season, that matters.
- Set-the-tone early – Starting 2-0 in double overtime is historic. Before this season, no NBA team had played double OT in each of its first two games. That’s resilience, toughness and a message: this club expects high effort every night.
The X-Factor Moments
Late in the game, the Thunder pulled off a sequence that showed how finely tuned they are. With the inbounds pass under pressure, Indiana’s Obi Toppin appeared to steal it, only for officials to grant Oklahoma City a timeout because coach Mark Daigneault had requested one earlier. That timeout changed possession and ultimately may have changed the game.
In crunch coverage, composure wins. SGA at the line, Wiggins hitting timely shots, Mitchell staying ready — these are the subtleties of championship teams.
What It Reveals About This Thunder Team
- Championship DNA: The Thunder didn’t panic. Up and down this game. Foul trouble, bad shooting, tough stretches. They still came out on top. That’s not luck — that’s character.
- MVP and supporting cast: A superstar like Gilgeous-Alexander can’t win it alone. But when the supporting cast responds in his demand, that’s when teams become contenders.
- Defensive backbone: The Pacers, despite missing key guards, played fast and physical. Yet the Thunder held up. They contested shots, defended the arc, and kept Indiana from pulling away early.
- Depth matters: In a season where injuries are already rearing their head, Oklahoma City’s depth standouts proved they’re ready. That bodes well for the long haul.
Looking Ahead
The next stop: Atlanta. The Thunder go back on the road again Saturday to face the Hawks. But for now, they’ll enjoy a win that echoes more than just two points in the win column. It’s a statement.
Final Thoughts
The scoreboard says 141–135. The story behind it says much more.
When the season was still young, the Thunder laid down a marker: they’re built not just to win, but to endure. Gilgeous-Alexander set the tone with a performance for the ages. The role players elevated their game. The coaching staff handled chaos. And when it all came down to the wire, Oklahoma City found a way.
The Pacers brought grit and challenge. The Thunder brought resolve and depth. If this is any indication of what’s to come — this city, this roster, and this star — we might be witness to more than just another strong start. We might be witnessing the beginning of something special again.
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