Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a nail-biting 125-124 triple-overtime win against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. The reigning NBA and NBA Finals MVP calmly drained two decisive free throws with 2.3 seconds left, lifting the defending champions to a dramatic victory.
The night carried extra significance as Oklahoma City celebrated its first NBA championship with a ring ceremony before tipoff. Houston, powered by Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, pushed the champs to the edge but fell just short in an electric opening game.
“Grit, determination and defense,” Gilgeous-Alexander said when asked to sum up the Thunder’s nail-biting win. “We know that when we do it (on defense) we give ourselves a chance no matter what’s going on — makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defense tonight to get the win. We’re pretty rusty, but it’s a good start.”
Durant and Sengun Push Thunder to the Limit
Chet Holmgren scored 28 points, while Ajay Mitchell provided a spark with 16 off the bench, including three three-pointers. Houston’s Alperen Sengun delivered a spectacular 39-point performance, drilling five three-pointers. Durant, who joined from Phoenix in the offseason, added 23 points as the Rockets controlled much of the game.
Houston built a 12-point cushion in the third quarter, but the Thunder clawed their way back. Durant’s late jumper gave the Rockets a narrow 104-102 lead, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s cold-blooded pull-up tied it to force overtime.
The contest became a back-and-forth battle, with 22 lead changes and clutch plays on both ends. In the final seconds, Gilgeous-Alexander smartly drew a foul from Durant, setting up the free throws that decided the game.
A Night of Celebration in Oklahoma City
Before the intense finish, the home crowd witnessed a moment of history as the Thunder raised their first championship banner and received their diamond-studded rings. The atmosphere was electric from start to finish.
“On behalf of the organization, myself and my teammates, we just want to say thank you,” Gilgeous-Alexander told fans. “From the moment we stepped here, the love has been unconditional. Whether we were losing by 40 or winning by 40, you guys never wavered and we will never forget that.
“This ring is just as much ours as it is yours.”
Oklahoma City’s resilience on opening night set the tone for the new season. Led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s composure and leadership, the defending champions reminded the league why they’re still the team to beat.
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