Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
