Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated 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 host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
