Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination 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, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
