Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including 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 led all scorers 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 alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune 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 tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
