Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
