Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance 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 huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
