Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
