Thunder begin title defence with overtime win

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets was the catalyst for their NBA title defense, which was led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the way into double overtime.

With only 2.33 seconds left in second overtime, the champions got off to a strong start by scoring 35 points, two of which came from the free-throw line.

Alperun Sengun, a Houston native, hit a career-high five three-pointers and top-scored with 39.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, who combined for the Thunder, contributed significantly to the game-winning 28-pointer.

Gilgeous-Alexander described their performance as “grit, determination, and defense.”

The players were given championship rings before the game, and Oklahoma’s championship banner was raised on their home court prior to the game.

In the best-of-seven NBA Finals of the previous year, the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers. It was their first title since Seattle, who had previously won the 1979 title, relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008.

The Pacers’ Friday game against Oklahoma will give them a chance to snag some early retaliation, and the Rockets’ game against the Detroit Pistons comes the same day.

Luka Doncic’s enormous effort, which included 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, did not help his new team, the Los Angeles Lakers, survive a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

For the visiting Warriors, Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry scored 23.