Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit 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," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
