Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," 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, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled 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 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 face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
