Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination 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—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
