Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
