Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said 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 defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
