Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.