Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun 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 together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.