Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 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 shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit 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 Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
