NBA history made! The defending champions played double overtime in both of their first two games this season—absolutely unbelievable!

Let's briefly discuss the game that just finished.

It was a replay of last year's finals matchup, with both teams fighting through double overtime before the Thunder won 141-135 against the Pacers.

In terms of stats: Mathurin scored 36 points with 11 boards and 1 assist, Siakam had 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists, Topin contributed 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, Shepherd added 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Walker posted 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Alexander put up 55 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals; Mitchell scored 26 points with 3 rebounds and 4 assists; Wiggins had 23 points and 9 rebounds; Holmgren posted 15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals; Dort contributed 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists; Hartstein had 5 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists.

It was expected that the Pacers would lose easily without Harry, but Indiana showed their usual toughness and resilience.

The Thunder became the first NBA team ever to play double overtime in both of their first two games this season. Last season, no team played more than two double overtime games in total.

This game was exhausting for the Thunder to the extreme.

Alexander played 45 minutes, shooting 15 of 31 from the field, including 2 of 7 from three-point range, and made 23 of 26 free throws, finishing with 55 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.

This was a career-high scoring game for him, marking his fifth 50+ point game with the Thunder, tying Westbrook for the most in franchise history.

1. The defending champion's season start is tougher than expected.

After all, last year they swept through like a strong wind clearing the leaves.

Injuries also played a big part, with two key players, Alex Caruso (concussion) absent
and Jaylen Williams (wrist) also unable to play.

2. The number of free throws in this game will definitely be a hot topic among fans and media.

The two teams combined for 91 free throw attempts (Thunder 51 attempts, 45 made; Pacers 40 attempts, 30 made), with SGA alone shooting 26 free throws and making 23.

Across the two games, they were awarded 40 free throws total.

Indeed, the volume of free throws was astonishing.