Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best 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 performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
