Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles 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 chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
