Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title 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 first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
