Shai Drops 55 Points and Sets Free-Throw Record: “I Found My Rhythm Right Away”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unstoppable: 55 points in the win over the Pacers and a new record for free throws attempted
Fifty-five. That’s the number etched on the box score – and in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s mind – as he reopened the NBA season exactly the way he closed the last one: playing like an MVP, with the ball glued to his hand and the calm confidence of someone who knows exactly where he’s going.
No rust, no hesitation. After leading the Thunder to victory in the Opening Night matchup against the Rockets, Shai followed up with 55 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and only two turnovers in 45 minutes.
All of it came in a double-overtime thriller that felt endless – against the same Pacers who had tried to stop him a few months ago in the Finals. Spoiler: they couldn’t this time either.
I’m tired, but I think it’s a great way to break the ice for the new season. I found my rhythm right away. It’s not ideal to go to overtime in two straight games, but the important thing is to win. The Pacers put a lot of pressure on you, but I tried to take advantage by attacking the paint aggressively, creating shots for myself and opening space for my teammates
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
OKC head coach Mark Daigneault didn’t just highlight the scoring—he pointed out Shai’s composure and control.
One of the most efficient things about Shai isn’t just his ability to score – it’s that he turns the ball over so rarely. He’s elite at managing possessions
Mark Daigneault
And it doesn’t take advanced analytics to see what he means. Shai never forces the issue, never wastes a possession, never rushes more than necessary. In fact, after just two games, he’s already made history again: following his 23-for-26 performance at the line against Indiana, SGA surpassed 40 free throws attempted, setting a new all-time record for the start of a season.
Around him, the Thunder looked every bit like the defending champions: 60 team rebounds, 45-of-51 from the line, and their trademark collective energy. Mitchell came off the bench with 26 points showing veteran composure, Wiggins added 23, and Holmgren chipped in with a double-double.
The message is clear: Oklahoma City has no intention of slowing down. If this is just the beginning, we’re in for months of fireworks.