Finals rematch! Alexander scores 55+8, Mathurin adds 36+11 as Thunder win double overtime against Pacers

On October 24, 2025, in the opening round of the 2025-2026 NBA regular season, the Pacers played at home against the Thunder. After four quarters, the score was even. Overtime continued to be closely contested until the second overtime when the Thunder prevailed 141-135. This was the Thunder's fourth overtime game across two straight contests. For the Thunder, Alexander scored 55 points with 8 rebounds and 4 assists, Mitchell contributed 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, Holmgren posted 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Wiggins added 23 points and 9 boards; for the Pacers, Siakam scored 32 points with 15 rebounds and 4 assists but shot only 5 of 12 from the free-throw line, Mathurin had 36 points and 11 rebounds, and Toppin added 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

The game began with Alexander opening the scoring on free throws, followed by Holmgren’s turnaround hook adding 2 more points. The Pacers surged ahead 5-0 before the Thunder tied it up. Naismith hit a three-pointer, and Siakam responded with an arrow-like shot, putting the Pacers back in front. Alexander scored through free throws and jump shots, but other Thunder players struggled with their shooting. The Pacers’ shooting was also not great, yet Siakam’s flawless shooting kept them slightly ahead. After the first quarter, the Pacers led 25-22 over the Thunder.

In the second quarter, Alexander continued his scoring spree while the rest of the Thunder seemed cold, especially Holmgren. Despite this, the Thunder managed to overtake the Pacers. Without their primary point guard, the Pacers struggled greatly, relying heavily on Siakam’s performance to resist. After Holmgren made free throws and Wiggins hit a deep three, the Pacers called a timeout. Post-timeout, the Pacers’ offense showed little improvement. At halftime, the Thunder led 54-47 over the Pacers.

In the second half, the Pacers closed the gap with strong inside plays from Siakam and Mathurin. Toppin added a quick three-pointer to tie the game. With Pete hitting a long-range shot, the Pacers regained the lead. The Thunder, after a brief slump, quickly recovered. Alexander drove for a three-point play, and Wiggins nailed a step-back three, sparking a small run that put the Thunder back in front. After three quarters, the Thunder led 81-78 over the Pacers.

In the final quarter, both teams exchanged baskets, with the Pacers tying the score at one point. Holmgren’s dunk stopped the Thunder’s bleeding, while Mathurin’s drive earned a foul and tied the game again. The teams traded threes in a tight battle. The Pacers matched the defending champions thanks to the heroic efforts of Siakam and Mathurin, though Siakam’s poor free-throw shooting was a glaring issue. Mathurin’s ability to score both inside and outside kept the Pacers competitive. In the closing moments, the Pacers trailed by one but missed three consecutive threes and had to foul. Alexander made 1 of 2 free throws, giving the Pacers a chance to win. Siakam hit a two-point jumper to tie the game, leaving the Thunder one last possession. Alexander’s jump shot missed, sending the game into overtime at 113-113.

In overtime, Toppin scored first with a layup after shaking off defense, giving the Pacers a 5-0 run. Alexander and Mitchell combined jump shots and free throws to tie the score. Alexander then hit a high-post step-back jumper to take the lead, but Mathurin answered with a strong drive. The score was tied again at 124-124, forcing a second overtime.

In the second overtime, Walker scored first on a drive, but Alexander assisted Mathurin’s 2+1 response. Siakam found Toppin for an alley-oop giving the Pacers the lead. Wiggins hit a corner three without hesitation, putting the Thunder back ahead. Siakam’s pass was stolen by Wiggins, and Alexander’s coast-to-coast play forced a Pacers timeout. After the break, Wiggins drained a heart-breaking three, while Shepherd’s corner three kept the Pacers alive. Holmgren’s putback failed, but a goaltending call on Toppin sealed the Pacers’ fate. The Thunder ultimately triumphed 141-135 over the Pacers.

Starting lineups:

Thunder starters: Wiggins, Holmgren, Hartenstein, Dort, Alexander

Pacers starters: Naismith, Siakam, Jackson, Mathurin, Nembhard