Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship 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 payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 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 sciatica.
