Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
