Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun 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 added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, 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 game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the 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 opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
