Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new 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 added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
