Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
