Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, 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.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
