Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. 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 return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
