Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
