Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "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 tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
