Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
