Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, 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."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
