Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star 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 visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
