Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder 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 left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous 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.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
