Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
