Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 55; Thunder Sets Free-Throw Record

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 55 points (15-31 FG, 2-7 3PT, 23-26 FT) with eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 141-135 double-overtime win over the Indiana Pacers. The victory gave OKC a 2-0 start, with Gilgeous-Alexander totaling 90 points in 92 minutes across the two games and setting a record with 40 free-throw attempts to begin a season, surpassing Bob Lanier and Wilt Chamberlain. The 55-point outing tied him with Russell Westbrook for five 50+ games in franchise history, prompting early MVP discussion even as some critics labeled him a “free‑throw merchant.” Oklahoma City’s depth — including Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins — stepped up amid absences of Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso. On opening night elsewhere, the Boston Celtics lost 117-116 to the 76ers as rookie V.J. Edgecombe scored 34 in his debut, the most by a rookie in a debut since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959.