Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled 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.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
