Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
