Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
