Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their performance. "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 defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved 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 Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
