Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat 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 secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
