Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
