Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
