Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
The Thunder star came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
