Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing 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 Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune 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 championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
