Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity 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."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards 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 Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
