Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss 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 missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
