Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
