Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
