Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role 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 opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
