Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
