Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win
The Thunder star came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with 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—makes, missed attempts, fortune 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, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
