Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before 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 best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic 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 picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.