Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the 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 Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
