Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last 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 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
