Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said 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, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
