Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana 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 claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
