Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder 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 clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
