Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team'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 maiden championship since the franchise 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 face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
