Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period 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, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, 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 Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.