Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"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—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated 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 claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets 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 not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
