Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored 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 match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
