Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
