Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.
In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.