Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining 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 three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
