Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 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.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.
