Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA 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, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last 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 won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical 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 stop his current 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 Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
