The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 141-135 in overtime in the 2025/26 NBA regular season. Gilgeous-Alexander said that early-season and late-season performances are equally important, and that no opportunities should be taken for granted.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 55 points and had five assists, Ajay Mitchell scored 26 points and had four assists, and Aaron Wiggins added 23 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"I'm very tired, but that's to be expected," said Gilgeous-Alexander, 27. "It's a good way to start the season, get some sweating done, get rid of some of the unfamiliarity, get your lungs open again, and kind of recover a little bit."

"There are two things we need to focus on. The first is to stay focused on the present. We were only five points behind, but there was still plenty of time. The second is to understand that the beginning of the season is just as important as the end of the season."

Gilgeous-Alexander continued, "The difference between home-court advantage in the playoffs can be a game and a victory. We've experienced firsthand how important home-court advantage can be in a seven-game series, so we never want to take any opportunity for granted."

"Different guys stepped up, a lot of guys stepped up. We played so long in the last game and now we have some injuries, but this team never makes excuses and we always have to be ready for our moment."

In addition, when talking about Ajay Mitchell's performance, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Daigneault said, "Everyone has great trust in him and believes in his talent. But I think what's more important is his composure in these two games. He didn't panic at all. We knew he was talented and influential. Some young players would be a little nervous when they came on the court, but he didn't."