Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. 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 players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous 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 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
