Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.