Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action 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 insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
