Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun 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, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
