Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers 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 of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.