Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
