Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
