Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the 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 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
