Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
