Shai Gilgeous-Alexander felt he shook the rust off as he turned in a career-high 55 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Gilgeous-Alexander added eight rebounds and five assists on Thursday, as the Thunder edged out the Indiana Pacers 141-135 in overtime in a rematch of last season's NBA Finals.

The reigning NBA MVP played for 45 minutes, and though he conceded he was fatigued, Gilgeous-Alexander felt such an effort was required as he aims to get up to speed quickly.

"I'm tired, but it's expected," he said, having also played 47 minutes in OKC's season opener against the Houston Rockets.

"It's a good way to break the ice on the season, shake the rust off, kind of bust the lungs up, get my cardio back.

"The difference in home-court advantage in the playoffs could be one game and one win. We know first-hand that home court in the playoffs is very helpful, especially when you go seven games. So we don't ever want to take an opportunity for granted."

Gilgeous-Alexander was not the only standout performer for the Thunder, as Ajay Mitchell scored a career-best 26 points from the bench.

"Different guys stepping up," Gilgeous-Alexander said.

"A lot of guys were stepping up tonight. Like, to play that much last game, obviously we're a little banged up. This team never makes excuses. It's always ready for their moment."

Goodnight pic.twitter.com/AuXrR63QdF

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 24, 2025

Of Mitchell specifically, Thunder coach Mike Daigneault said: "Everybody has a lot of trust in him and his talent.

"But I think the steadiness in these two environments... in both games he didn't really blink.

"So we knew the talent and impact, but sometimes it takes guys a little bit, they seem a little wide-eyed. That was not the case for him."

And though the Pacers once again fell short against OKC, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle saw no reason to be disheartened. 

"Grit is what our makeup is going to have to be this year," Carlisle said. "There are going to be a lot of challenges.

"We've just got to be able to take on these challenges on a long-term basis."