Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented 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 bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
