Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
