Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
