Gilgeous-Alexander explodes for career-high 55 points as Thunder overcome Pacers in double overtime

MANILA, Philippines — Double nickel for the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped a new career-high 55 points to tow the Oklahoma City Thunder to another double overtime victory, this time against the depleted Indiana Pacers, 141-135, in last season's NBA Finals rematch Friday (Manila time) in Indianapolis.

Gilgeous-Alexander eclipsed his former career-high of 54 points, as he shot 15-of-31 from the field and a whopping 23-of-26 from the free throw line against the Pacers. He also had eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.

But the OKC star also had plenty of help, as Ajay Mitchell provided the spark with 26 points and four assists off the bench, while Aaron Wiggins had 23 markers. Chet Holmgren tallied 15 markers and 15 boards.

Neither team was able to grab a double-digit lead, as both squads had answer after answer on their opponent’s runs.

A late jumper by Pascal Siakam forced overtime, 113-all, as Gilgeous-Alexander’s pullup triple missed late.

In the first overtime, it was Bennedict Mathurin’s turn to be the hero, as he sank a driving finger roll to tie things up at 124-all with about 13 seconds left. Gilgeous-Alexander, once again, missed a layup that would have given them the lead.

But in the second overtime, the reigning MVP and Finals MVP took over, along with Wiggins, as they took a seven-point lead, 135-128, with 2:06 left.

Ben Sheppard answered with a triple of his own, but a putback layup by Holmgren kept the Pacers at bay, 137-131.

The nearest Indiana got to was four points, as Gilgeous-Alexander sank the game-icing free throws.

Indiana, which was missing guards Tyrese Haliburton and TJ McConnell due to injury, relied on Mathurin and Siakam. The former had 36 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out, while the latter had 32 markers and 15 boards to go with four dimes.

OKC is now holding a 2-0 record, while Indiana dropped its first game of the season.