Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers 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.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering 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 league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
