Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions 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 contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
