Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana 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 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
