Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
The Thunder star joined the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
