Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"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—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
