Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
