Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder 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 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
