Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented 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 bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last 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 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
