Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current 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 league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
