Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "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 sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
The Thunder beat the 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 claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.
