Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's 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 winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated 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 the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
