Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
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 of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
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 same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
