Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
