Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," 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 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 squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent 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 Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
