Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.