Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
