Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
