Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved 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 Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
