Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC 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 huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.