Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
