Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes 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 picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
