Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before 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 defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical 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 Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
