Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.