Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to 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 without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
