Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City 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 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes 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 Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
