Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 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 top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. 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 are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
