Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including 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 led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit 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 together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, 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 game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
