Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. 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 home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
