Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
