Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"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, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. 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 chance to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
