Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
