Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough 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 Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
