Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
The Thunder star joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
