Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 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.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
