Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
