NBA MVP scores career-high 55 as Thunder go to double-OT again

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 2-0, but things have hardly been easy for the defending NBA champions.

Both contests they’ve played went to double overtime, the latest coming Thursday night in an NBA Finals rematch against the Indiana Pacers. OKC can largely thank Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for its 141-135 victory.

The reigning league MVP scored a career-high 55 points against the Pacers, hitting 15 of his 31 shots from the floor. As he tends to do, he went to the line repeatedly, shooting an eye-popping 26 free throws – sinking 23. He even dished out a team-high five assists, for good measure.

Here’s a look at his highlights and full stats from the game:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlights vs. Pacers

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stats vs. Pacers

• Points: 55
• FG: 15-for-31 (2-for-7 from 3)
• Free Throws: 23-for-26
• Rebounds: 8
• Assists: 5
• Steals: 2
• Blocks: 1
• Turnovers: 2
• Fouls: 4
• Minutes: 45