Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune 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 raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
