Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded 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 payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
