Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
