Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA commented 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, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team'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 team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.