Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions 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 the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
