Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
