The Indiana Pacers dropped their season opener in double overtime to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 141-135, but the effort showed plenty of fight. Without star point guard Tyrese Haliburton , who is out for the year with a torn Achilles, Indiana pushed the reigning champions to the limit at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Tyler Smith of Indy Sports Legends shared Carlisle's postgame comments on X following the loss.

“This group, it's grit. There's not gonna be any sugar pill to solve the challenges that are coming every night. We're just gonna have to have an attitude of loving the challenge of the NBA when you're not whole,” Carlisle said.

Bennedict Mathurin led the way with 36 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out in the first overtime. Pascal Siakam chipped in 32 points and 15 boards,

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