Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
