Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions 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, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
