Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing 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 contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.