Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," 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, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship 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 relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
