Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston 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 stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
