Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.