Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the 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 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback 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 massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
