Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into 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, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
