Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
