By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set his career-high at 55 points, and defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder survived a second straight double-overtime contest to jump to 2-0 in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season. The 27-year-old combo guard took over in the second extra period in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, fueling a 141-135 victory versus last season’s finalists Indiana Pacers.
“We all have the same mentality. Everybody has to be ready to play,” explained Belgian Ajay Mitchell after fueling bench contribution with an individual NBA-high of 26 points, alongside four assists, three rebounds, and one steal, lasting 38 minutes on Thursday.
“Today was my grandmother’s birthday. And she passed a year ago. So, it was a little special for me,” the 23-year-old combo guard emotionally added, “I was pretty happy we got the win and played that way.”
With Serbian Nikola Topic (testicular surgery recovery) out, German starter Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in five points, 14 rebounds, and two assists in just under 37 minutes, and French reserve Ousmane Dieng grabbed one rebound over 15 minutes.
Thursday results
Indiana Pacers – Oklahoma City Thunder 135-141 2OT (124-124, 113-113)
Golden State Warriors – Denver Nuggets 137-131 OT (120-120)
Standings
Eastern Conference
1. Chicago Bulls 1-0
2. Orlando Magic 1-0
3. Philadelphia 76ers 1-0
4. Toronto Raptors 1-0
5. Charlotte Hornets 1-0
6. Milwaukee Bucks 1-0
7. New York Knicks 1-0
8. Boston Celtics 0-1
9. Detroit Pistons 0-1
10. Miami Heat 0-1
11. Cleveland Cavaliers 0-1
12. Washington Wizards 0-1
13. Brooklyn Nets 0-1
14. Atlanta Hawks 0-1
15. Indiana Pacers 0-1
Western Conference
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 2-0
2. Golden State Warriors 2-0
3. San Antonio Spurs 1-0
4. Utah Jazz 1-0
5. Memphis Grizzlies 1-0
6. Minnesota Timberwolves 1-0
7. Phoenix Suns 1-0
8. Houston Rockets 0-1
9. Portland Trail Blazers 0-1
10. Sacramento Kings 0-1
11. Denver Nuggets 0-1
12. New Orleans Pelicans 0-1
13. Los Angeles Lakers 0-1
14. Los Angeles Clippers 0-1
15. Dallas Mavericks 0-1
Top six teams from each conference advance directly to the Playoffs
Teams seventh through tenth from each conference advance to the Play-Ins