Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
