Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
