Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with 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 OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
