Key Highlights
- Oklahoma City Thunder wins their first two games of the season in double-overtime for the first time in NBA history.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sets a new career high with 55 points, including 23 from free throws.
- The game features 70 personal fouls and 51 free-throw attempts, highlighting its physical nature.
- Controversy arises over an official’s call that could have changed the outcome of the second overtime period.
The Oklahoma City Thunder: A Season to Remember?
The Oklahoma City Thunder made history in their first two games, securing victories against the Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets, both in double-overtime. This marks the first time in NBA history that a team has won back-to-back double-OT games during the opening weeks of the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A New Chapter
The game was a showcase for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who not only led the Thunder with 55 points but also set a new career high. With 23 of those points coming from free throws and all but three attempts made, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance highlighted his dominance in close games. This is the fifth time he has scored at least 50 points in his career, tying Russell Westbrook for the most in franchise history.
A Physical Game with Controversy
The matchup between the Thunder and Pacers was a physical affair, featuring 70 personal fouls and 51 free-throw attempts. The two teams traded leads throughout the game, with Pascal Siakam’s jumper just before the buzzer in regulation tying up the score at 134-134. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander having a chance to win the game in the final seconds, his shot was off due to a well-timed Pacers double-team.
Both teams pushed through two overtimes, with the Thunder finally pulling away in the second overtime period.
Free throws played a significant role in securing the victory, as Gilgeous-Alexander iced the lead with several crucial free-throw attempts. However, controversy arose late in the second overtime when Obi Toppin had what appeared to be a game-changing steal from Chet Holmgren during an inbound pass. The officials called it back after Mark Daigneault of the Thunder claimed he had called a timeout just before the play, drawing ire from the Indiana crowd.
Looking Ahead: A Scrappy 2-0 Start
The Thunder’s start to the season is off to an impressive but controversial beginning. Their 2-0 record, including two double-overtime victories, has set a high bar for the team and its fans. However, the controversy surrounding the second overtime period could cast a shadow on their achievements.
As the league looks at ways to improve officiating and reduce controversies in games, the Thunder’s performance serves as an interesting case study.
The game highlighted the need for better communication between coaches and officials, especially during critical moments of close contests. For now, the focus remains on the positive: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s record-breaking performance and the Thunder’s historic double-OT victories.
