Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively 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 still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
