Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
