Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston 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 champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the 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 won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
