Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions 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, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. 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 title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity 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.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
