Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops career-high 55 points in double-overtime win over Pacers; Fans complain about him taking 26 free throws [VIDEO]
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened the Thunder’s title defense with a historic 55-point performance, sealing a double-overtime victory in a Finals rematch that reignited debates over officiating
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened the 2025–26 NBA season with a double overtime win over the Houston Rockets in the NBA on NBC’s return. He followed that with historic performance, scoring a career-high 55 points in a 141-135 double-overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers on October 23. The game — a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals — delivered two overtimes of playoff-level intensity, capped by Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game heroics and ice-cold free throws to secure the Thunder’s second win of the year.
The reigning Finals MVP and league MVP shot 15-of-31 from the field, 2-of-7 from three, and an astonishing 23-of-26 from the free-throw line, adding 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in 48 minutes. His 79.1% true shooting percentage marked one of the most efficient 50-point performances in recent memory, despite online backlash over the high number of foul calls.
A Finals Rematch with High Drama
The night carried extra weight — it was the Pacers’ first game since falling to Oklahoma City in last season’s Finals. Playing in front of a loud crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana came out motivated, keeping pace behind Pascal Siakam’s 32 points and 12 rebounds, while Myles Turner added 18 points and 10 boards.
The Thunder led by double digits in the third quarter, but Indiana stormed back, tying the game at 113-113 with 6.5 seconds left in regulation after a midrange jumper from Siakam. Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential game-winner rimmed out, sending it to overtime.
Both teams traded blows through two extra periods before the Thunder pulled away late, thanks to Shai’s relentless drives and Aaron Wiggins’ two timely three-pointers. Chet Holmgren added 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Wiggins finished with 23 off the bench, helping Oklahoma City outlast Indiana in a 56-minute battle.
Team stats told the story of balance and grit: OKC shot 47.2% overall and 35.1% from three, while Indiana hit 45.8% and 32.4% respectively. The Thunder also won the rebounding battle 52–47 and converted 32 of 38 free throws, compared to Indiana’s 21 of 25.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 55-Point Explosion
For Gilgeous-Alexander, this wasn’t just another big scoring night — it was a statement. After dropping 35 points in the season opener against Houston, the All-NBA guard raised the bar, proving he’s still in MVP form.
He scored just 5 points in the first half, then exploded for 50 in the second half and overtimes combined, including 24 points in the fourth quarter alone. His midrange game was unstoppable — 10-of-18 on pull-up jumpers inside the arc — as he picked apart Indiana’s defense with hesitation dribbles, spin moves, and body control in traffic.
Despite only hitting two three-pointers, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get to the rim drew consistent contact, leading to 26 free-throw attempts — more than the entire Pacers team combined. He converted 23 of them, finishing with the calm and rhythm that define his game.
In the decisive moments of double overtime, Shai hit a pull-up jumper, followed by two clutch and-1 finishes, and closed out with six straight free throws. His +14 plus-minus underscored his two-way dominance, including key defensive stops and rebounds that helped close the game.
This performance surpassed his previous career high of 54 points, set last season, and marked his fifth career 50-point game — cementing his place among the league’s most lethal scorers.
Fans Split Over Free Throws
While Thunder fans celebrated the career night, NBA social media quickly turned the 26 free-throw attempts into a hot topic. A post by @LegionHoops showing Shai’s stat line received over 2,600 likes and nearly 200 replies within hours, with reactions sharply divided.
Critics argued that the performance leaned too heavily on foul calls, with one user writing, “26 free throws? Is this even basketball anymore?” Another added, “55 points on 15 made shots is wild, bro.”
Others defended him, pointing out that nearly all the fouls were legitimate. “You drive 30 times a game and see if you don’t get hit,” one Thunder fan responded. “The refs didn’t bail him out — the Pacers just couldn’t guard him.”
Statistically, the free-throw rate wasn’t far off his norm — Shai averaged 8.5 FTA per game last season, ranking among elite slashers like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Analysts noted that his balance and deceleration force defenders into awkward contact, making his foul-drawing skill as much technique as advantage.
Postgame Reactions
Players and coaches from both sides praised the effort on display. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault called Shai’s performance “a masterclass in poise,” emphasizing that “he stayed within the team structure even while scoring at will.”
Chet Holmgren credited his teammate’s leadership: “When he gets into that zone, all we can do is keep feeding him and stay ready for the kick-out.”
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle admitted Shai’s rhythm was tough to break: “We tried multiple coverages, but he’s one of the most patient players in the league. He just waits you out.”
Broader Context: MVP Race and OKC’s Momentum
The victory improved Oklahoma City to 2-0, continuing their momentum from last season’s championship run. Despite missing key contributors Jalen Williams (wrist) and Cason Wallace (knee), the Thunder look poised for another deep run. Their young core — Holmgren, Williams, Wiggins, and Gilgeous-Alexander — continues to mature under Daigneault’s system.
League-wide, Shai’s start instantly reignited the MVP debate. Through two games, he’s averaging 45 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting nearly 50% from the field. ESPN and CBS analysts already list him alongside Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo as early front-runners.
For Indiana, the loss stings — especially without Tyrese Haliburton, who remains sidelined with an Achilles injury. Still, Siakam’s consistency offers hope as the Pacers aim to recapture their Finals form.
The Online Debate
Across X, fans kept the debate rolling late into the night. Some viewed Shai’s 55-point masterpiece as proof of greatness; others saw it as evidence of what’s wrong with modern officiating.
@TruckBon wrote: “Real human beings about to be crying about a guy who took 31 shots and got hit on 20 of them. That’s greatness.”
Meanwhile, @FT_Merchant05 countered: “If Embiid did this, y’all would call him a free-throw merchant.”
Amid the noise, one thing remained clear — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again commanded the basketball world’s attention, walking the fine line between artistry and efficiency.
Final Take
In an era of explosive scoring, few players balance skill and control like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His 55-point night was a display of patience, precision, and endurance, leading the Thunder past the Pacers in a rematch that lived up to its billing.
While fans can debate how he got his points, the scoreboard doesn’t lie — and neither does his poise. The MVP is still very much in his bag.