Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, recovering from a torn Achilles, was on-hand for a tribute to franchise matriarch Nancy Leonard, who died September 24.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder once again needed six periods to win a game on Thursday night.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Pacers asked for a "moment of celebration" rather than a moment of silence to honor Nancy Leonard, the franchise matriarch who died in September. The fans responded with a massive ovation.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander logró la mejor marca en su carrera con 55 puntos y el Thunder de Oklahoma City ganó el jueves su segundo duelo consecutivo en doble tiempo extra para comenzar la temporada, esta vez por 141-135 sobre los Pacers de Indiana,

A three-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection and former NBA champion, Siakam has both the experience and talent to lead the offense scheme himself. Last season, he ranked second in touches in the frontcourt, behind only Haliburton. He was also first in shot attempts per game in both the regular season and playoffs.

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard left Thursday's season opener against the Thunder with a sore left shoulder and will not return.

Rick Carlisle wanted a timeout to challenge a call but the official didn't see the Pacers coach and Carlisle was livid

Mitchell is more of a point guard than a shooting guard, meaning the Thunder may look to save him for minutes when Gilgeous-Alexander isn't on the floor. Regardless, the team will still have some solid depth against a Tyrese Haliburton-less Pacers squad.