Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander 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, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
