Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
