Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
