Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
