Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star 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 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
