Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, 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 not enough to stop his new team the 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 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
