Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same 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 prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
