Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with 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—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
