Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed a pivotal second from Tuesday evening’s 125–124 double-overtime win over the Houston Rockets, confirming that referees missed Kevin Durant’s obvious timeout request within the first time beyond regulation.
“Kevin undoubtedly referred to as timeout about thrice verbally and bodily along with his fingers. I feel the refs simply missed it,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated in the course of the postgame press convention. He added, “However that’s life. You make errors in life and you progress on.”
The reigning MVP completed with 35 factors after scoring solely 5 within the first half, together with two clutch free throws with 2.3 seconds remaining within the second time beyond regulation to seal the victory. Gilgeous-Alexander’s composure beneath stress proved decisive in a recreation that marked the Thunder’s 2025 NBA championship banner unveiling and ring ceremony.
Gilgeous-Alexander described the evening as “surreal,” highlighting the emotional expertise of seeing the championship banner raised whereas main his workforce by way of a difficult contest. “It was tremendous enjoyable… understanding that it’ll be up there perpetually and we’re the primary group to carry the town a championship was a reasonably particular feeling,” he stated.
Regardless of the distractions, the Thunder managed to keep up focus towards Houston’s aggressive protection. Gilgeous-Alexander credited the workforce’s preparation and resilience. “We simply discover a strategy to intestine out a victory on an evening that was a bit funky,” he stated, noting the weird circumstances of opening evening didn’t have an effect on their efficiency.
He additionally mirrored on the ultimate possession, explaining his method towards Durant. “I used to be simply on the lookout for house to get off a cushty shot… and I noticed a possibility to make the most of it, and it labored in our favor,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. He emphasised staying within the second slightly than worrying in regards to the magnitude of defending or being defended by a star like Durant.
Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged that the win highlighted areas for enchancment. “We have to get higher… I’ve full perception and confidence on this workforce that we’ll be. We’ll use tonight as a studying expertise,” he stated, pointing to the significance of development and preparation for the season forward.
The double-overtime opener additionally featured Kevin Durant’s return to Oklahoma Metropolis as a Rocket, drawing heavy boos from followers. Durant tallied 23 factors and 9 rebounds earlier than fouling out, which arrange Gilgeous-Alexander’s game-winning free throws and cemented the Thunder’s slender victory.
