Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
The Thunder star came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive 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 poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient 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 home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
