Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
