Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.