Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity 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 positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.