Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with 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 team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
