Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
