Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers 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, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
