Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence 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 still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
