Historic first occurrence of consecutive double overtime at season start! Alexander scores 55 points with 26 free throws, Thunder narrowly defeat Pacers

On October 24th Beijing time, in a repeat of last season’s finals, the Thunder defeated the Pacers 141-135 in double overtime away from home, achieving back-to-back double overtime wins to open the season. This made the Thunder the first team ever to have double overtime games in their first two matches. Alexander scored 55 points with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, breaking his personal scoring record. He demonstrated exceptional ability to draw fouls, going 23-for-26 from the free throw line, setting new career marks for both attempts and makes in a single game. The Thunder led by 7 at halftime, but the Pacers briefly took the lead in the second half. After two intense overtimes, the Thunder emerged victorious. For the Pacers, Mathurin scored 36 points with 11 rebounds, and Siakam had 32 points and 15 rebounds. Nembhard exited due to left shoulder soreness.

Statistics

Thunder: Alexander 55 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals; Ajayi-Mitchell 26 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists; Wiggins 23 points, 8 rebounds; Holmgren 15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals; Dort 7 points, 8 rebounds; Hartenstein 5 points, 14 rebounds; Jerlin Williams 5 points

Pacers: Mathurin 36 points, 11 rebounds; Siakam 32 points, 15 rebounds; Toppin 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists; Ben Sheppard 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists; Walker 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists; Nysmith 5 points, 7 rebounds; Nembhard 4 points, 4 assists (injured); Heff 5 points, 3 rebounds

Player of the Game

Alexander set a career scoring record, leading the Thunder to a double overtime victory over the Pacers.

Game Recap

In the first quarter, Holmgren scored on a layup, while Mathurin scored 5 consecutive points. Alexander went to the free throw line multiple times, and Nysmith and Siakam hit back-to-back three-pointers. After converting a three-point play and a layup, Alexander reached double digits in points within just half a quarter. Toppin scored on a dunk, Dort made a layup, and Siakam scored 4 straight points to also reach double digits. Wiggins and Walker added layups. At the end of the first quarter, the Pacers led the Thunder 25-22.

In the second quarter, Alexander scored on a floater, Heff finished an alley-oop. Yambrad and Dort nailed three-pointers, and Alexander continued scoring from the free throw line. Jerlin Williams hit a three-pointer, helping the Thunder take a 6-point lead over the Pacers. Siakam scored on a floater, Ben Sheppard hit a three, and Alexander scored on a mid-range shot. Toppin and Mathurin delivered powerful dunks in succession. Alexander went back to the line and made both free throws, extending the Thunder’s lead to 7. At halftime, the Thunder led 54-47. Alexander had 21 points, shooting 11-for-12 from the free throw line. Siakam led the Pacers with 14 points and 6 rebounds.

After the break, Nembhard left the game due to left shoulder soreness, with Ben Sheppard replacing him. Siakam completed a three-point play, Wiggins hit a three-pointer, Mathurin scored on a layup, and Ben Sheppard threw down a dunk. Wiggins made 4 consecutive free throws, and Alexander scored 5 straight points, keeping the Thunder ahead by 7. The Pacers then gained momentum as Heff and Ben Sheppard hit consecutive threes, Mathurin scored multiple three-point plays, and after Pete’s three-pointer, the Pacers went on a 15-4 run to take a 4-point lead. Holmgren scored on a mid-range shot, Alexander and Ajayi-Mitchell each made three-point plays, and at the end of the third quarter, the Thunder led 81-78 over the Pacers.

In the final quarter, Ajayi-Mitchell scored on a layup, Mathurin hit a three, Holmgren completed an alley-oop dunk, and Alexander and Siakam exchanged three-pointers. Jerlin Williams scored on a hook shot, and Siakam added another three-pointer. Hartenstein finished an alley-oop dunk and a three-point play, Ajayi-Mitchell scored on a floater, and Bradley responded with a three-point play. Mathurin hit another three, and Walker scored on a mid-range jumper. Mathurin made a floater but missed the free throw. Alexander scored on a mid-range shot, then drove to score. Walker made a layup, with the lead changing hands repeatedly. Holmgren made two free throws, Mathurin and Siakam missed consecutive three-pointers, Alexander made one of two free throws, and Siakam scored a mid-range jumper to tie the game with 6.5 seconds left. Alexander’s three-point attempt missed, sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, Toppin scored on a layup, Siakam made one of two free throws, Walker grabbed an offensive rebound, and Mathurin drew a foul on Alexander, making both free throws for a 5-point Pacers lead. Alexander made both free throws, Ajayi-Mitchell completed a three-point play, tying the game. Walker scored on a mid-range shot, Alexander made a layup, Siakam hit another mid-range jumper, and Ajayi-Mitchell made two free throws. Walker committed a turnover. Alexander scored on a mid-range shot, Mathurin scored on a layup, but Alexander’s buzzer-beater missed, forcing a second overtime.

In the second overtime, Walker scored on a mid-range jumper, Alexander completed a three-point play, and Mathurin fouled out on his sixth foul. Toppin scored inside, Wiggins hit a three-pointer, Dort stole the ball, and Alexander scored on a layup, surpassing 50 points. The Thunder led by 4. Wiggins and Sheppard exchanged three-pointers. Holmgren scored on a putback, Siakam scored on a mid-range jumper, Alexander made two free throws, and Toppin scored on a layup. Alexander made two more free throws, and the Thunder ultimately defeated the Pacers.

Starting Lineups

Thunder: Alexander, Dort, Wiggins, Holmgren, Hartenstein

Pacers: Nembhard, Mathurin, Nysmith, Siakam, Jackson