Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance 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.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
