Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental 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 chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
