Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
