Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
