Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
