Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action 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 insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.