Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sets record with 55 points

Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone by scoring 55 points – his career-high – in a game where his team, the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder, needed two overtimes to defeat hosts Indiana Pacers 141-135 in the NBA.

After their dramatic season opener against the Houston Rockets, which Oklahoma won by a single point after two overtimes (125-124), the Thunder once again required two extra periods against Indiana, who failed to avenge their Finals loss last June (3-4).

In a spectacular performance, Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s MVP, broke his previous career-best of 54 points. He hit 15 of 31 shots from the field, while also contributing 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

The prolific scorer and floor leader proved decisive in clutch moments, forcing Indiana’s defense into repeated fouls against him, from which he tallied 23 of 26 free throws.

This was the fifth time in his career that last season’s scoring champion registered 50 points or more in a game. He has now totaled 90 points in just two games to start the season – a feat beaten only by three players: Wilt Chamberlain (105 and 106 points in 1961 and 1962), Michael Jordan (91 points in 1986), and current Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis (95 points in 2016).

Belgian-American Ajay Mitchell added 26 points off the bench, while Aaron Wiggins contributed 23 and Chet Holmgren posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, all in the absence of injured Jalen Williams.

While the Thunder remain heavy favorites to defend their crown, the Pacers’ prospects look shakier this season, particularly after their star Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of last year’s Finals. The 25-year-old is not expected to play this season.

Indiana also lost center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks over the summer, and in this game saw Andrew Nembhard go down with a left shoulder injury in the second quarter.

Still, the Pacers fought valiantly, led by Canadian Bennedict Mathurin who scored 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Cameroonian Pascal Siakam forced the first overtime and finished with 32 points and 15 rebounds.

And 50 points for Gordon too…

Golden State Warriors defeated Denver Nuggets 137-131 after overtime, in a game highlighted by Aaron Gordon’s career-high 50 points for the losing side. He nailed 10 of 11 three-pointers and also grabbed 8 rebounds.

For the Warriors, Stephen Curry once again led the way with 42 points, while Jimmy Butler chipped in 21 and Congolese forward Jonathan Kuminga added 14.

For Denver, Canadian guard Jamal Murray scored 25 points, while Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.

When NBA stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Aaron Gordon put on historic performances, there’s no better place to back your predictions than Betway, Oman’s top online betting site.