Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
