Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
