Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck 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, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes 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.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
