Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
The Thunder star came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
