Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Victory
The Thunder star came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing 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 contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
