Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened 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 remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
