Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston 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, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
