Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man 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, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.