Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute 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 get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
