Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "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 misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.