Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit 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 defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity 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 good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
