Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.