Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit 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—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. 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 awarded their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
