Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action 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 insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
