Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
