Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man 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 alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists 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 scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
