The current NBA basketball champions Oklahoma City Thunder started defending their title last night by winning over the Houston Rockets 125-124 at home after two overtimes with a score of 125-124.
Before the game, Oklahoma City’s championship banner was raised under the roof of the Paycom Center and presented to the players their championship rings which are traditionally awarded to NBA champions.
Oklahoma’s leading scorer was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 35 points, to which he added five rebounds and five assists. Chet Holmgren scored 28 points with seven rebounds, and Ajall Mitchell added 16 points.
Houston led the way Alperen Sengun with 39 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Durant added 23 points and nine rebounds, and Amen Thompson scored 18 points.
The Rockets had their last possession of the second overtime with 2.3 seconds left. Steven Adams passed the ball from the outside to Jabari Smith Jr. who missed the layup for the win.
Oklahoma will visit the Indiana Pacers in the next game, while Houston will welcome the Detroit Pistons at home.
Golden State Warriors were defeated in the first game of the new season away from home Los Angeles Lakers with 119-109.
He led the Warriors to victory with 31 tackles Jimmy Butlerfollowed by Steph Curry with 23 points. Luka Doncic was the best scorer of the Lakers who were not helped by his 43 baskets, 12 rebounds and nine assists.
Austin Reeves added 26 points and nine assists, while Deandre Ayton had 10 points and six rebounds. Lakers star LeBron James missed the first game of his 23-year NBA career due to sciatica.
Golden State is waiting for the Denver Nuggets in the next game at home, and the Lakers are waiting for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The new NBA season starts tomorrow Ivica Zubac and Dario Šarić. Zubac with his Los Angeles Clippers is visiting the Utah Jazz, and Šarić with his new club, the Sacramento Kings, is visiting the Phoenix Suns.
(Hina | Photo: X)
