Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action 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 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 Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
