Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
