Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship 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 payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
