Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph
The Thunder star came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
