Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
