The Oklahoma City Thunder begin their NBA title defense with an overtime win against the Houston Rockets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder began their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season’s MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free throw line, with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime to get the champions off to a positive start.
Houston’s Alperun Sengun led the way with 39 and also hit a career-high five 3-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who scored 28 points for the Thunder, played a major role in addition to the Gilgeous-Alexander game-winner.
“Determination, determination and defense,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance.
“We know when we do that (on defense) we give ourselves a chance no matter what happens — hits, misses, luck or bad luck. We did enough defense to win. We’re pretty rusty, but it’s a good start.”
2025-10-22 06:07:00
