Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander 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 still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players 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 team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.