Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
