Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored 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 of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat 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 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston 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 new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.