Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 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.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
