Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
