Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder 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 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
