Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enjoys ‘ugly’ victory against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got the better of Kevin Durant and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder started the new season with a victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander was far from his best and called the victory “ugly” after the Thunder beat the Houston Rockets 125-124 in the second overtime.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including the two game-winning free throws with 2.3 seconds remaining after being fouled by former Thunder superstar Kevin Durant, who was making his Rockets debut.
Everything about victory for SGA
Gilgeous-Alexander was a little rusty but admitted winning was all that mattered.
“I have to be better,” he said. “We have to be better than what we just did. We’re going to be a better team in a few months, but I firmly believe this team will use tonight as a learning experience.
“It was ugly tonight, but I’d rather it be ugly in a win than in a loss, that’s for sure.”
Gilgeous-Alexander struggled to get his game under control in the first half, but coach Mark Daigneault was pleased with his determination to get the job done, no matter what he looked like.
“He just stays in the game,” Daigneault said. “It wasn’t a perfect night for him, but he stays with it. He understands the nature of 48 minutes. He understands the nature of 82 games. It’s not always going to be perfect. And tonight wasn’t perfect for us collectively. And the guys just played the next play, never losing our focus or our determination.”
It was a landmark night for the Thunder as they raised the championship banner before the game for the first time in Oklahoma City.
“It felt like it was increasing for 10 minutes,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It was an incredible moment. I will remember it for the rest of my life.”
