Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last 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 opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
