Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.