Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in 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 a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
