Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
The Thunder star joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 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 opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. 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 squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
