Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory
The Thunder star joined the Thunder in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current 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 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
