Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander 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 defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder 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 opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
