Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
