Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Victory
The Thunder star joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.
