Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into double overtime 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, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA 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 secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
