Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line 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 Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work 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 raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team 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 this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
