Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence 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 still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
