Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Victory
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.