Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous 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 won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.