Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, 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 game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
