Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
