Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "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 sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop 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 Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
