Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
