Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
