Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
