Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. 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 championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
