Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous 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.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to 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 missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.