Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised 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 Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
