Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
