Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left 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 contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
